Message-ID: <014901c16199$19a63ca0$5de3de9e@colwell>
From: "Steve & Claudette Colwell" <colwell@innercite.com>
To: "lancair list" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
References: <9177837EAECAD211A77B0040C7770FDA099723@SBSECURITIES01>
Subject: Accidents/Insurance
Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 15:17:51 -0800
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Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com

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We should not blame Avemco or any other insurance company for backing away
from a risk with the loss experience they have had.  Maybe its time for us
to do
a careful analysis of the IV accidents (and close calls), then try to
isolate the causes.  If Builder Assist Shops or maybe just one or two Shops
are determined to be a leading cause lets determine that.

My guess is a large percentage of IVaccidents like most GA's were "pilot
error" followed by modifications to
fuel systems, engines, etc..  If it is determined the IV requires a much
higher level of proficiency to fly safely than their pilots believe, that
ought to be addressed and hammered
home.  Modifications ought to be reviewed by someone who knows what is
not a good idea (not just another builder who may not know enough in the
first place and would not be enough of an authority to be heeded anyway).  I
have seen some LNC2's that look like they had the lay-ups done with a mop
and
we do not hear of them having structural failures.  That leads me to believe
that the airframes are designed to be very tolerant of workmanship if left
unmodified or maybe
 their owners are just lucky.

If there are a couple of leading causes of accidents we are not focused on,
lets determine them for our own sake, as well as Insurance.  I think flying
small airplanes can be reasonably safe if you minimize the risks.  Do not
fly into bad
weather.  Do not stretch your fuel.  Don't exceed the limits of your
airplane. Don't show off.  Get and remain proficient. (this should eliminate
about 95% of the things that can hurt you)  And if we are building in
potential
problems let's know what they are.

Steve Colwell   Legacy 2K  Placerville,CA   (530) 621-3408


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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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