Larry's Crash
 

Hi all,

I have a couple of things to bring to your attention. First ... we have been getting a few repairs that can be avoided. FOD damage to the compressor wheels is being caused by planes being started to close to the blast shields. Sand and other debris is being kicked up and sucked into the turbines leading to costly repairs. We are recommending NOT starting your turbines closer than 15 ft. to the blast shields and moving the blast shields to a paved surface if possable.

Second.. rumor has it that the reason Larry's Kingcat crashed because of the new ECU... Larry was going to test the ECU for us in the field but it was not in the Kingcat when it crashed. He was planing to install it after the jet fly and start testing ... unfortunately he didn't make it back in one piece.

RE: Larry's Crash
 

How about the addition of a FOD screen such as the "Walmart type strainers". I have the new AT-180 SP that I will be using on a grass field and I am sure that a blade of grass going into a wheel turning at 158k will cause damage as quick as sand will. Sorry to hear about the loss of such a nice KC but thanks for the info.

RE: Larry's Crash
 

Is there any idea what caused Larry's crash ? I am of the opinion that sometimes if we know what happened, maybe everybody can learn something from it. Thanks-Mike O.