Lucky escape

[Deskpilot]

These pictures are of an RNZAF Airtrainer aircraft that was in a line astern formation landing at the Wanaka Airshow over Eater 2008.

 

This guy was apparently number 3 of 4 when he got caught in wake turbulence from the two aircraft ahead of him.

 

I'd say he had an extremely lucky escape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shafs64]

i would say that was a real pucker factor moment. it would of been interesting to see how much rudder he was useing to get it back under control.

 

Paul

 

 

[poteroo]

Must have been near nil wind - pretty unusual for Wanaka! It's a very nasty feeling because everything is just soooo smooth without the wind......then, around you goooooooo!!

 

cheers,

 

 

[Mathew Ker]

Only he and his dry cleaner will really know how scared he was. ;) Extraordinary recovery.

 

Regards, Mathew

 

 

[Bruce Robbins]

i would say that was a real pucker factor moment. it would of been interesting to see how much rudder he was useing to get it back under control.Paul

Have a look at the nosewheel. That will give you an idea about the rudder deflection in use.

 

Bruce

 

 

[Guest brentc]

Interesting that he has right rudder happening! Would have thought from the angles that it might have been left.

 

 

[Guest Flyer40]

Left rudder would have caused crossed controls, not the ideal configuration on the back side of the power curve.

 

 

[IanR]

Wow - you say it was line astern landing - close formation ? He was very lucky. I have been caught in wake turbulence in form landings and its not nice.

 

 

[Mazda]

Thankfully the aircraft is a wonderful responsive type!

 

 

[IanR]

Thankfully the aircraft is a wonderful responsive type!

An unbiased comment of course !!

 

 

[Guest Flyer40]

I recall a flying journo (can't remember which one) listing the Victa and the Europa as the two best aircraft he had flown in terms of handling. I really should try one.

 

 

[Mazda]

That sounds like a hint Flyer!

 

It's true though! The only problem is that once you've flown one, everything else seems mushy and wallowy (did I just invent that word?)

 

The 115hp ones probably handle the sweetest (although they are a bit underpowered compared with the 150s & above).

 

 

[Matt]

All I can say is that he'd be glad he was flying the 300HP version of the CT4 (he's flying the E model) - the extra 90HP over my CT4A model would have made a significant difference in successfully recovering from this situation. Luck didn't have much to do with the positive outcome - a very responsive aircraft (as Maz has said) with a good power to weight ratio and a very skilled pilot (check out some of the Red Checkers videos on You Tube, these guys know how to handle a CT4!).