Michael,
What about the speed differences
between a Lancair and a glider? Does that change the calculation?
We are all taught to look for an
open field to land on. Considering the altitude at which the decision is
made and in the time we have to make the decision, we probably can’t tell
too much about stumps and rocks when we pick a field.
Should our decision making
process change?
From: Lancair Mailing
List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Michael Newman
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2010 8:07 AM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Tree Landings
It may be counter intuitive but treetops are actually
‘soft’. They bend and absorb energy over a fairly long period
compared to other ground obstructions. I would favor landing in dense trees
over a field full of stumps and rocks.
It is well known in the glider community that tree-top
landings result in pilots that walk away and surprisingly light aircraft damage
as long as the plane maintains flying speed all the way in. I have
personally picked up after two of these and know of four others. In only one
case was there any injury to the pilot and that was minor. Dense trees are
preferred because falling to the ground after the ‘landing’ is
where the people can get injured.