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.
Michael Newman | Dragonnorth Group |
401 Sandy Valley Road
Westwood, MA 02090 | Cell: 617 821-4608
Home: 617 566-7975
Fax: 617 566-7975 |
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