Posted for "John Barrett" <2thman@olympus.net>:

The discussion re: the G loads experienced leading to the SC IVP crash
reminds me that windshear can be a mighty powerful force - maybe
underestimated and respected sometimes.  I am not suggesting the pilot of
that airplane was guilty of either of these sins, but I have been in the
past and the thread appears to indicate many of us can't quite comprehend
the awesome power sometimes present in air --- clear or otherwise.

I am reminded that when I was flying F-8 Crusaders for the Navy many years
ago, a friend/instructor thought it would be fun to do some flat hatting
through the canyons in the Quyamaca (sp?) mountains one day on a solo
flight.  Going through a narrow pass, he hit a wind shear that virtually
atomized the aircraft and everything in it in under a second.  It was
postulated that negative g's is what took everything apart.  Obviously he
was traveling a lot faster than a IVP, but nevertheless, if anyone had told
me that it was dangerous to fly that airplane through mountain passes at
high speeds, I would have scoffed.  I've been a believer ever since.

As always, condolences to the family and friends of these unfortunate folks.

Regards,
John Barrett
Barrett/Garrett Enterprises, Inc.
PO Box 428
Pt. Hadlock, WA 98339
www.carbinge.com