WIX Archives
Re: TF956
Posted by Joe Scheil on Sun Nov 04, 2001 02:52:34 PM
In reply top Re: MA793 and VP 441 posted by david J burke on Sun Nov 04, 2001 04:43:34 AM
: Joe - : RE From fairly recent events I think you are most likely aware of the Sea Fury and the risks involved in a turn over.
Answer>>In regard to the Sea Fury "turnover predeliction", this is a modern happening. Sea Furies were operated for a long time with standard safety records, like all taildraggers. This "risk" was also not apparent in 89 when TF956 was dumped. Where the recent "turnover" cases
come from is pilot induced on rollout to hurry the aircraft. Both fatal cases of high speed loss of control, over 25 knots or so were induced by pilots trying to make a particular runway intersection for convenience sake. The brakes were being used to save time, and it cost them dearly. Any tailwheel aircraft can be flipped over, given enough brake. There is not one that is more, flippable...However with Sea Fury brakes being upgraded from original to jet brakes there may be a nonprogressive loss of feel that allows pilots to trap themselves. This is probably being adressed by owners and operators now. Don't hurry the landing, keep it straight, log the extra .1 hours and save the brakes.
As for the stuck leg...At the time the controversy stemmed from the fact that many if not all of the active types of warbirds have been landed one up one down. In fact there is a great shot of N878M on one leg, on takeoff I believe, leaving the runway in San Diego. Landing a Seafury on one leg is dangerous, but not more so than bailing out. If the aircraft is flown till almost empty, landed as slow as possible and then allowed to settle at the last moment, its not a big deal. Hinton had this happen on the Buchon during its time in the UK, the aircraft was damaged but saved, and it was his decision as pilot in command to do this. The word we recieved was that he was ordered to bail out. The controversy stemmed from the fact that this was nearly a perfectly good aircraft until she hit the water. They made the wrong choice.
JOE