BROKEN AIRPLANE... I did NOT enjoy this! Avid Flyer not a
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- Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
- Sometimes flying in the backcountry, you end up with a broken airplane. It wasn't a crash... but I sure didn't enjoy the ride! Avid Flyer, not a Kitfox, is a fun backcountry airplane for adventures- even ones with unhapy endings!
See what had happened was...😆Nice landing considering the circumstances. Nicely done!
Thanks, Russ! You never know what to expect out here 😂
Good job! All our training prepares us for emergencies. You did excellent.
Thanks a lot! The decision to take off from the bar without a tailwheel was a little nerve racking, but once I thought it through it became less intimidating. Good times 😂👍
I broke my Kitfox 5 tailwheel spring several years ago also.... I ended up finding out the original tailwheel spring connected to the tail is a single spring with a support spring .... You need two springs and a support spring. The single spring will eventually break and the crack is hard to detect..... but its there. Kitfox has knowledge of this and usually lets pilots know of the problem .... They have a corrective fix.
Good to know. I’m going to reach it to Kitfox and see about getting one of their spring kits.
Wheel landings help to keep from knocking the tailwheel off! 😜 Looks like a fun time, even with the minor inconvenience!
You know, I’ve put a lot of thought into that since the event. I need to start practicing wheel landings with short stopping distances. But, you’re right, it was still a fun time!
Good work pilot! OneAV8, Put a Superman decal on your bird! That's how get it done and save the day in the bush! 👍
💪 trying to keep the adventure alive!! Thanks!!
Nice job! You are very fortunate the tailwheel did no damage to the plane flopping around on that landing. I would get a shock tailwheel of some kind, It sure helps out on the rough sand bars I land on at times. Harlan
You’re right! I do need to make a small patch in the fabric where the wheel poked it while thrashing about, but it’s very minor compared to what it could have been. What part of the country do you land the sand bars??
Wow! Kudos to you on how you handled everything. Most people wouldn’t have the mind set and calm demeanor to continue with the video. It could’ve been so much worse. God was obviously looking out for you! Congratulations again on a job well done!!!
P.S. My airplane is still in annual so I won’t be able to make it to the Onion Festival this year. Hopefully we can meet up in Oshkosh!
The frustrating noise I was making in the cockpit as I slid to a stop was the sight of the river closing in…. But you’re right, the Good Lord had his hand on me for sure 👍. I hate you kissed the airshow today, we had a blast! 💥
Great takeoff and landing without a tail wheel. I have never flown a tail wheel, but that looked impressive. 🛫
Thank you! I was surprised at how much more responsive the tail was without the weight of the wheel. If it wasn’t for needing shock absorption, I’d consider just putting a skid on there!
When I got the KF3 it had a bent tail spring and the bottom of the rudder was bent. Luckily the rudder was a simple fix. The replacement spring has 3 leafs. One short at the very top and two long ones. Much more reliable.
I have a few springs I’m toying with now. I’ve thought about the TK1 tailwheel shock…. I just don’t know if the benefits are worth the money.
Fortunate that you didn't tear up the rudder. I've had to patch a couple of mine when the tail spring broke. Did my Kitfox 4 about a year ago. Glad it's working out for you, I have a PDF file showing the curve on the spring. I traced out the outline of a good spring on a piece of paper and scanned it. You can cold bend springs with a hydraulic press, maybe find an old Champ or Cub spring that is 1 1/4" wide and make one that fits. Nice that you got it home in one piece.
Yes sir, I was real glad the rudder didn’t get damaged! I have a small hole I need to repair in the fabric from the wheel and springs slapping around, but other than that it wasn’t too bad. If you feel inclined to share the PDF, my email is brianscrews@gmail.com
Sorry for your tail wheel incident, I’m on full-lotus floats with the Kitfox now, but I have the same tail spring. I think I will double it when I go back to wheels. I hope to meet you in Oshkosh somewhere, keep me posted, stay safe have fun!!!
Floats??? That’s cool. As high as the rivers have been, I’ve need a float rating 😂. I sure hope to go to Osh this year!
Single leaf springs suck! I used to used 3 leaf types from Spruce, meant for a J-3 so not too stiff, but for the last several years i have one from AirFrames Alaska on my RANS S-7S. The type with a coil spring, can't think of what it's called right now, but it's great.
I was using a 2 spring setup, not sure how many landings it had on it, but I know I have put it through the wringer. I’m thinking of going the shock route- maybe a T3…
Cool man. No damage! Had to stop plantin soybeans for a min and watch your adventure. Glad nothing else got damaged. Part of playing in the dirt and sand.
Thanks, brother. I hate to hold up a working man-but glad you tuned in! I was real glad the rudder didn’t get damaged…
Great job! Yes, Hunter is the best!
Thank you! Hunter is who keeps VDI fun to fly out of 🤙
Great job handling the event! Glad everything is OK. Waiting on video of repair!
Thank you! It was a good lesson on learning what options I had when a tailwheel bites the dust. Something tells me this won’t be the last time that happens…
Dang that is what I thought happened to my plane last week. Nice job on flying her back.
The increased brakes as I dug into the sand felt great for 1/2 a second 😂😂.
Awesome job! Great video
Thank you 👍. We’re having a great time down here with aviation!
Nicely done! Are you going to Oshkosh? I hope to be there! Kcmx
I hope to go- it will be my first time going!
Good job. Improvise, Adapt & Overcome !
That’s right, had to do some serious improvising 😂
My kitfox series 1 did the same thing.
Seems to be a reoccurring thing. I guess it makes sense given that’s a part that bends a lot.
I broke mine off on my c140 when i was first starting my ppl training. (I porpoised) Im sorry man. It sucks so bad. Mine took out my rudder great wheel landing. You did a good job
Thanks a lot. I was very fortunate that my rudder didn’t get crushed! I’m sure with this style flying that it won’t be the last time I lose a tailwheel…. 🤷♂️
What engine and prop are you using
I have the Jabiru 2200 (85hp) and a TN prop.
Well I’d say that’s not too smart landing there, not to mention the day you will hit a power wire stretched across the river. I hope you do a good recon before you descend below the tree line! All roads have wires and so do rivers! Courtesy of the US Army who has learned that the hard way!
To your point, yes, I do recon and several passes before landing a new bar to check for both overhead and ground obstacles. Side note, I have boated and fished this stretch of the river all my life, so I feel pretty comfortable in knowing the terrain. All that goes into making a go/no-go decision when landing off airport. Thanks for stopping by and chatting with the group, we welcome new contributors 👍👍
I’d go back with the 3 leaf. Kitfox sells them.
Last time I tried to order from Kitfox they wanted the serial number from my plane. When I told them it was an Avid…. They shot me down under the “limited parts” clause … 🤷♂️
I have a used spring off my Avid MK4 I'd give you if you need.
Mk IV has a 1 1/2" wide spring, B model is 1 1/4" wide.
@@jimchuk8511 Your right Jim mine is 1 1/2" I didn't relize that they were different.
Good info Jim… I sure was about to jump on the offer! Thanks @randallsmart5149 for the offer- that’s real kind!