Well as we all know it's spring and for those of us that live in the Midwest we get our flying in between thunderstorms rain showers and 50 mph wind gust. And because of the weather challenges we can sometimes skip a couple items that could cost us an expensive airplane. Point in case let's examine the following events which by the grace of God I should have lost a very nice model. I went out on an exceptional day 70's and sunny light breeze. Thought I'd get my engine tuned in and tried out some different props. My trusty Dragonlady with her purring saito 150 seemed to be running very well and with a 16X6 I think I found a perfect match. Anyway as I was saying this were the story gets interesting. I had just pulled out of a flat spin fairly low and was attempting a fly by when I realized that I was awfully close to that telephone pole. WHACK Ooooh cr%^$ !!! Well the plane was still flying and I still had control. But what came off my plane?? Once around to feel it out and I'll land. So I did, successfully I might add, didn't even break a prop. After an inspection of my model I found that I grazed the wing tip. Well that's not too bad so back to the shop and out with the covering and CA glue.
Rain, wind, rain, Sun atlast. Well let's go have some fun. The wind was a little brisk but not to terrible. Baby started right up and I was off the runway going vertical. Like Otter in Animal House I was smiling ear to ear and muttering to myself "OH BOY this is great". After a couple passes I notice a little bobble here and there but didn't think much of it, being that it was breezey. Well the is seemed a little worse so I thought it must be getting too windy better set it down. I lined up on final, man was she wobbly couldn't seem to keep her level. After a touch and bounce I heard my nylon gear bolt snap, but the gear didn't come off. I only snapped three of the four and the plane came safely to rest. I killed the engine, radio and started clean up. When I got home and began removing the nylon studs I made a startling discovery. The wind was not the reason I had fight for level flight. My wing mounting block had been pulled lose from the fuse and was barely attached. Lift was probably a major factor holding on my wing. So due to my brain glitch and overlooking a major repair I could have lost my plane.. Now I know you "Experienced" modelers will no doubt say "what a dumb @$$!!!" But this isn't about a stupid mistake. Although I admit it was. It is just a reminder to be sure, double check to ensure your safety as well as others. I hope all of us have a great flying season and take notice of this story. I was LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY. Happy flying. Will