Well, after building my second plane and flying it about 20 times, I had my first accident.


10 May 2008 2015 local time

Crash Investigation:

The subject J-3 Cub was on final approach to runway 27 at the Cold Lake RC Flying Field. Winds were from 190 degrees at 5kts gusting to 12 kts. conditions were VFR with scattered spectators, which were partially obsuring the threshhold of the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a departure from controlled flight, due to the pilots' loss of visual references associated with the spectator who was located between he and the aircraft. At the time visual contact was lost, a wind gust from the 2 o'clock position caused the aircraft to become airborne again but without sufficient airspeed to maintain stable flight. A high rate of roll due to partial stalling of the L/H wing ensued and the aircraft yawed approximately 50 degrees to the left. Visual contact with the aircraft was re-established at this time and takeoff power was applied momentarily, but due to the continued yaw due to wind gusts, the aircraft (heading directly at the pilot station) was deemed to be in an adverse and unsafe flight profile. Power was reduced to idle and shortly thereafter, the l/h wing of the aircraft dipped and touched the grass. The aircraft proceeded to cartwheel once complete revolution and came to rest on its' wheels a short distance from the pilot station. Flying operations were terminated at this time and savage operations were begun.

Contributing factors:

Plot experience: Relatively new pilot with low flying time on type.


C of G: Flight testing of a new "pilot" (my daughters' rock star Barbie) was being conducted, which may have contributed to a C of G slightly aft of normal. Barbie has since been fired and further flying will be conducted without on board "Blonde Bimbos".

Obscured visual profile: I mistakenly allowed other people to come to the pilot station, without briefing them on the importance of staying out of the line of sight to the aircraft.

Weather conditions: gusting winds contributed to the fast yaw rate of the aircraft, which caused a loss of lift on the l/h wing.

Conclusions: You have to keep flying the aircraft above all else. Distractions MUST be minimized.

Photos of the post event damage and reconstruction will be posted later today.

Good Investigation Report HornetFitter. I was one of the guys that helped build that field years ago. It's good to hear it is still in use.

Yeah, well it was meant to be a light bit of humor... It helps to mask the pain of it all.
Yes, the flying field is still in use, but there a some bushes growing up in the middle of the field, so I might see if we can cut them down. A number of planes have been eaten by them too. Aparently they like the taste of balsa.
Dale looks after the membership now and the club was able to buy a new ride on mower last fall. Frank is still involved, but I don't know what the extent is. Someone did donuts on the field during the winter months and there are some deep marks on the field now. Damned vandals! Man, I would so love to catch them!

Well, thanks for the reply and take care!

Here are a few pictures of the damage...

l/h wing trailing edge crushed and sheeting broken
r/h wingtip shattered from tip to last rib
Elevator support and mount fractured away from fuselage and protruding thru l/h side of fuselage. Former and sheeting fractured as well
Fuselage at cockpit area split from leading edge to wingroot and wing spar tube bent.

After repairs, including a titanium .500" wing spar...
Gotta love ca glue and epoxy! Too bad my skills are not better at re-covering... Oh well....
I suppose it wil fly again.




...And finally, the blonde bimbo that made it thru unscathed!

HF,
Looks like an easy fix. Get it back together and back in the air. Remember, a CUB will bite you when you disrespect it, (same goes for the full scale version). The one most valuable lesson I have learned with CUBS is how to use the RUDDER! I can say with confidence the the majority of R/C fliers don't hardly ever use the rudder on their aircraft, because they are used to using ailerons to bank and come around. This hurts them is scale flight competition and yes, when flying too slow and stahling. BTW, what was a spectator doing on the flight line? Best of luck to you.

Hi Flak,

Great words of wisdom! I agree that rudder control is more important. I might even venture to say that it is more important tha ailerons on this model.
Ahhh yes, the spectator on the flight line... He is a Flight Engineer in the Air Force and was interested to learn about RC Aircraft. I guess he just got a bit anxious and did not stay behind me.
Cheeerz,
Dave