Received-SPF: none
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=66.234.112.76; envelope-from=lerohl@gctel.net
Message-ID: <000701c873c8$0e801e70$6401a8c0@D8HZVF21>
From: "Gaylen Lerohl" <lerohl@gctel.net>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
References: <list-2737761@logan.com>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Re: Gaylen Okay?
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:54:05 -0600
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
	format=flowed;
	charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=response
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

I can flesh out the accident report a bit.  After a normal runup and 
take-off roll on Runway 31 the engine failed about midfield.  The airport 
property comes to a point just SE of the end of the departure end of 31 with 
a highway on the east and another on the south side of the airport fence. 
The prop wound down in about 2 seconds and stopped.  I was too high and fast 
to land on the remaining runway and too low to glide beyond the roads off 
the end of the runway.  Landing straight ahead would have put me on the 
road.  Turning to the right and getting to the ground as soon as possible to 
try to stay within the airport fence seemed my only option.  (Yes I know, 
landing straight ahead is the  only acceptable procedure but dumping it on 
the busy road would assure injuries to innocents as well as myself )

I rolled in full flaps, put the nose down and rolled about a 50 degree bank. 
I held 70 kt to the ground pulling as much turn as I dared to avoid a stall, 
attempted to level, touched down right wing low in two feet of snow, and 
skidded about 125 feet to a stop 100 feet from the fence.  I quickly shut 
off the electric busses and exited the airplane.  The right wing is bent and 
the right fuel tank ruptured.  The gear splayed outward but was still 
supporting the airplane.  Both fuel tank leading edge attach points pulled 
free as Van designed them.  The five point harness, pulled snug, held me 
firmly in place.  Crushing of the gear towers absorbed the shock and I had 
no injuries.

The airplane has flown about 80 hours and 20 hours ground running. I have 
run diagnostics on the engine and do not know why it failed.  The tanks were 
full, I had normal fuel pressure as I began the TO roll.  The pumps still 
maintain fuel pressure.  Using the diagnostic modes, there is still ignition 
and the injectors click normally.  The prop is broken so I haven't attempted 
a start.  I will not purchase the salvage to rebuild the airplane.  I am 
fortunate that there were no injuries nor property damage.

Gaylen Lerohl


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bulent Aliev" <atlasyts@bellsouth.net>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:35 PM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Gaylen Okay?


> NTSB Identification: CHI08CA057.
> The docket is stored in the Docket Management System (DMS). Please 
> contact Records Management Division
> 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
> Accident occurred Sunday, December 30, 2007 in Alexandria, MN
> Aircraft: Lerohl RV-8, registration: N5093F
> Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
>
> The pilot reported that he conducted a preflight and run-up of the 
> amateur-built experimental airplane, and he reported that it was 
> operating normally. The airplane had climbed to 200 - 300 feet at 90 
> knots when the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing  to 
> the airport property. The airplane landed hard and the main  landing gear 
> collapsed. The airplane and engine were inspected but  the reason for the 
> loss of power was not determined.
>
>