forced landing

[Guest greg]

I remenber when a well known CFI had a forced landing near Hoxton Park. He was so happy that he put the 172 down without a scratch.A semi trailer was sent in to retrieve the aircraft, but first they had to find a large tree, so they could push the 172 over and under so as to lift it off the ground by block and tackle, then run the semi under and lower the 172 onto the tray of the semi.All went well .The block and tackle were put over a large branch and attached to rhe 172. It was then raised off the ground and the semi driven under so as to lower the 172 straight on to the tray.Things were going well. The semi was under the 172 and it was starting to be lowered ., when suddenly the branch snapped and down came the 172 and very heavy branch onto the semi. Result one badly damaged 172, one very badly damaged semi.

 

.So now you know,,,,never trust tree branches, even sitting under them can be dangerous as I will mention at a later date.

 

Greg

 

 

[Tim E]

Yes tree branches can do a lot of damage ! Look forward to hearing about the one you were sitting under Greg! Have had huge eucalypt limbs like tree trunks come down here across fences etc. The huge cracking sound as they break off can be frightening.

 

 

[Guest OzChris]

Great story and post Greg - and a good warning...many campers have met their peril camping under some of the grandest old gum trees.