SuperStar crash on water...mechanical failure???
06-15-2009, 01:25 PM
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SuperStar crash on water...mechanical failure???
If you see this post more than once, I apologize.
Yesterday, I attemped my maiden flight of my modified SuperStar-EP.I had made a set of floats for it and the stock brush motor didn’t have the power to get it off the water with the extra weight.I replaced the entire electric system with a 25A combo package from Maxprod.com.That is a 300 watt, 48 oz thrust HiMax brushless motor with the ESC and a 10x7E prop.This package is equivalent to a .25 glow according to Maxprod.com and I figured it had enough power for the SS SS-EP on floats.
On takeoff, it got in the air quickly, then, it acted very erratically.As you can see in the video, it nosed over to the left and down.After retrieving the plane, I saw that the motor mount was loose.I didn’t have much firewall to epoxy it to, so I drilled four screw holes in the corners but found that only one screw was holding the mount to the firewall. I suppose that I just didn't put in the other three screws.That one screw was in the upper left corner, allowing the motor to lift up andangleto the left.I believe that this is what made it fly the way it did…into the water.Take a look at the video and see if you think the same.
The plane floated upside down on the wing as it drifted back to shore and the wing got water inside it.I punctured the covering at one end for the water to drain out.Itaped the wing to boards for a dayto try to keep it from warping as it dries out. Today Itested the aileron servo and it still works.The other servos and electrics didn’t get much water contact and have dried out and are alsoworking, including the servo that I installed inone float to activate the water rudder.
The first two photos below show a cable from the rudder to steer the float rudder. A couple of days ago, I installed a rudder servo in my foam float with a cover to protect it. The last two photos show the water deflector I made to keep water from getting into the fuse from the underside of the engine. In the first two photos. you can see the cover I made for the bottom hatch that is open in the rear to allow air to go out but not let water in while taxiing.
The video link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAtFkmGw8mY
The first two photos below show a cable from the rudder to steer the float rudder. A couple of days ago, I installed a rudder servo in my foam float with a cover to protect it. The last two photos show the water deflector I made to keep water from getting into the fuse from the underside of the engine. In the first two photos. you can see the cover I made for the bottom hatch that is open in the rear to allow air to go out but not let water in while taxiing.
06-17-2009, 02:04 PM
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RE: SuperStar crash on water...mechanical failure???
ORIGINAL: goirish
How did it balance. Looks tail heavy.
How did it balance. Looks tail heavy.
With the firewall secured, the CG balanced, and controls lined up, I think it should be stable now. I'll give it another try, but will wait until I get my Optic 6 back from being repaired so I will have differental and dual throws to start off. I was using my JR 4-channel for my maiden flight.
