From: Mark Ravinski <mjrav@comcast.net>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Tue, October 5, 2010 6:49:51 AM
Subject: [LML] Re: Tree Landings
Michael,
I agree that treetops may be preferable to hard obstacles if those are your only choices.
However, trees are not as soft when you are in a Lancair as in a glider.
An "off the top of my head" estimate would be double the approach speed, double the weight and half the wingspan - compared to a glider.
There is much less chance of being caught by the branches and therefore, there might be a second, uncontrolled crash from falling out of the treetops.
Also, you are not going to burn in a glider crash.
In the service, I know of a T-37 that landed in a cornfield. The pilots walked but the plane was destroyed by impact with cornstalks. Landing speed of about 60 -70 kts. 4000 lb aluminum airplane.
And I know of one Lancair 360 piloted by a very good friend, Jim Rogers, that went down in scrub oak trees. Video shows a very controlled descent. Jim died in the fire.
My plan will be to avoid hard obstacles - the best way I can.
Mark Ravinski
360 1488 hrs
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2010 8:06 AM
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.
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