David,

I think that the kinetic energy possessed by an aircraft (at 375 MPH) of our
type will most certainly allow conversion to enough altitude to return to
the airport if you happen to be over the airport.

There are certainly ways to not have a successful conclusion.

There were at least three things that worked against George, once he decided
on RW 26:
1. Prop was still turning though the engine was not producing power
2. He elected to put the gear down early
3. The strong wind was pushing him away from the runway

I am not trying to second guess George; it is just that under normal
circumstances, given the kinetic energy of the aircraft and his position
over the airport, the engine failure should have resulted in another
uneventful landing. Since the results were bad, you look for reasons. Above,
I listed the reason I think are relevant.

Since I was flying in the race with George I have some understanding of the
conditions.

But, my reason for responding in the first place was to express my opinion
the 375 MPH will allow plenty of altitude to land.

Lynn Farnsworth
Super Legacy #235
TSIO-550 Powered
Race #44

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of David
Standish
Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2010 01:00
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] [Fwd: RE: [LML] [Fwd: RE: [LML] Thunder Mustang Crash at
Reno]]

My point was that if George had trouble converting 375mph into enough
altitude to return to the opposite direction runway how am I going to do
it with only 100mph just after takeoff.  There was a lot of talk about
his choice to go right to 26 but I certainly don't have the credentials
or the nerve to second guess him.

I was very glad to see him get up out of the airplane but a little
shocked that the EMR crew let him.

David