vjaqua wrote:

Another reminder of the fact that it is very simple to design a neat looking
controllable prop on a CAD program, do an extensive stress calculation,
do a beautiful job of building it, even test it on one installation, and still
provide an almost instant disaster. The Pulsar Super 100 prototype
made Sat 11:00PM news on channel 7, when it fortunately safely landed
in one of LA's concrete rivers near El Monte. An elecrtric controllable prop
which purportedly had been extensively tested on a Lancair, shed it's
blades converting the plane into instant glider shortly after take off.
Fortunately it apparently shed them both almost simultaneously, leaving
the rest of the plane intact, such that the skillful pilot was able to keep
himself and the plane undamaged.
Vance

Ken Powell wrote:

Just for the new guys - remember to use a safety cable between the engine and the firewall.  This will keep you from losing the engine if you lose a prop blade; my understanding is that the vibration will usually tear an engine off the firewall before you can get it shut down.  I am trying to listen when Bill Freeman and the other experienced guys give me a hint here and there.  Thanks for this one Bill.

Ken Powell
kenpowell@aristotle.net

 
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