SkyDivaChristie 0 #1 May 10, 2004 My fiancé, Graham, flew me down to the Coast on Friday afternoon for a cheeky weekend away. We took his Cessna 402, after a test flight, and everything was fine. Getting home yesterday afternoon was a different story though. We took off at 12h00, at which point I put the seats, at the back of the plane, down and went to sleep. Half an hour into the flight I woke up, looked over at Graham and, just by looking at the back of his neck and his shoulders, I knew something was wrong. I looked out the window to the right wing and oil was spewing all over the wing! Now, I’m no pilot, and don’t know a whole lot about planes, but I knew it wasn’t supposed to be doing that. I looked back at Graham, who was very busy with the knobs and switches and talking a whole lot on the radio. I figured now was not a good time to freak out and start throwing questions at him. I moved to the front of the plane, put my hand on his shoulder, and asked if he’d like me to sit in the cockpit with him. He forced a smile and said he needs to concentrate and I should just sit tight. I put my seatbelt back on and started praying… TO ANYONE WHO WOULD LISTEN!!! God, Jesus, Buddha, my dead Grandfathers, EVERYONE!!! At this point, Graham shut off the right engine. Ever been mid-flight and seen a propeller stop dead?! Not a pretty sight. We flew for an hour-and-a-half on one engine. The worst hour-and-a-half of my life! I couldn’t bother Graham with questions, so I was left to answer them myself. I don’t know enough about flying to know if we could still fly, or if we could even still land safely! What if the other engine dies? What if we lose control and go into a spin? Whoever said ignorance is bliss, lied!!! On landing, I looked out the window and the runway was smothered with emergency vehicles. Paramedics, Fire Trucks, the works. I closed my eyes and held onto the seat for dear life. My knuckles were white. My super-star Fiancé landed PERFECTLY! I just started giggling. The emergency vehicles escorted us to the hangar. We got in our car and drove to the nearest pub. not jumping sux Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #2 May 10, 2004 sounds like the PERFECT situation to practice your aircraft emergency exit Glad you guys made it down ok. I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #3 May 10, 2004 Nice work on the Beaus part, and well done, knowing when to shut up I will NEVER get into a small plane without at least having a rig in there with meYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #4 May 10, 2004 That's quite an apt little signature line there eh girl? He he he, tell G i said nice one for handling the situation so calmly and getting you both home safely! Now drag his ass out to the DZ this wknd and let me buy him a beer! PJ Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #5 May 10, 2004 wow. you did really well by not panicing. and it sounds like he handled the malfunctioning flight perfectly. congratulations to both of you. great story now that you are okay! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airdvr 210 #6 May 10, 2004 Nice job by your man. Now, we want to hear about your "cheeky" weekend Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CrazyIvan 0 #7 May 10, 2004 Glad to know you are both OK, congratulations to the pilot. But...if I was in that situation, I would do the same, not asking a single question, but I would say only one word: DOOR!!! and get my ass out __________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wildblue 7 #8 May 10, 2004 QuoteEver been mid-flight and seen a propeller stop dead?! Yes. It was ok, I was just pissed that we weren't climbing as fast. it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #9 May 10, 2004 QuoteEver been mid-flight and seen a propeller stop dead?! Yeah in a single engine plane with me as the pilot... You know that thing up front is just a big fan to keep the pilot cool right???...don't believe me? Just watch him sweat if it stops turning. QuoteWe flew for an hour-and-a-half on one engine. Any Muti pilots want to explane to a single fan guy why you would keep flying on one engine instead of finding an airport and putting it down? I would think the wear on a pilot over 1.5 hours of fighting a twin on one would become a pain in the ass."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites diablopilot 2 #10 May 10, 2004 QuoteAny Muti pilots want to explane to a single fan guy why you would keep flying on one engine instead of finding an airport and putting it down? I would think the wear on a pilot over 1.5 hours of fighting a twin on one would become a pain in the ass. If you were 1.5 hours from the nearest airport?---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #11 May 10, 2004 100 miles from the neareast airport? Thats not likely unless its over the middle of the desert. I knew a few multi's that flew on one engine over other airports since they parked their car at X airport and don't want to mess with finding other rides back there or their favorite mechanic was at Y airport so they just flew it there instead. Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites diablopilot 2 #12 May 10, 2004 You know in the US I'd agree with you, but this is what is says in her profile.... QuoteAfrica/South Africa Could be?---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #13 May 10, 2004 Very true... but turning around is always an option too. No airports for 100+ miles in front of you, and your airport is 101+ miles behind you. Hope you pack the survial kit Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Squeak 17 #14 May 11, 2004 Dude 200 miles between airports is nothing here in OzWe do however have a few scattered landing strips on some of ourmillion acre propertysYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites peacefuljeffrey 0 #15 May 11, 2004 QuoteYou know in the US I'd agree with you, but this is what is says in her profile.... QuoteAfrica/South Africa Could be? Flying "HIS Cessna 206" -- even in the U.S., let alone South Africa... Smells like...money!! SkyDiva, just how rich IS your guy? --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airtwardo 7 #16 May 11, 2004 QuoteFlying "HIS Cessna 206" *** Errr... Not a 206... A 402!!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites peacefuljeffrey 0 #17 May 11, 2004 Oops. That'll teach me to quote from memory. Anyway, either way, I'm thinking "moneyyyy!" --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airtwardo 7 #18 May 11, 2004 QuoteI'm thinking "moneyyyy!" Quote Yup! Me 2 !!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Chiquita 14 #19 May 11, 2004 I have a story similar to that. We were in a Cesna 182 flying into St. Andros Island about 20 miles out and we start having problems. Push the carberator in and plane spurts, pull it out and its fine (to me anyway, at least sounded better). I ask a question or two and know that we are having trouble, he's sweating and tense. So I decide to leave him alone and grab a book and just try my best to read and block out everything except what he tells me. I have a headset on but I could not hear any outside communications, only what he said to me, which was a problem that we had had the whole flight (which in a way was a good thing) Next thing I know we are s-turning to land at the runway and landing downwind because the engine had died over the ocean. A few good things (if you can call them that): we have our rigs & lifejackets in the back, friend flying with us in another 182 has GPS so if we do go down he will know exactly where we are, and we are in a jump plane so the door would open nice and easy. After we land they look over the plane and decide that is must have been a blocked fuel line because there was still fuel in the other wing. Then we refuel and take off for Florida. About I'd say half way to Florida fuel starts gushing out of the overflow valve (so I was told), I see fuel just pouring out and smell it in the plane. This went on for a about what seem like eternity, but probably was more like 2-3 minutes at he most. I pretty much sit there and mentally get ready for emergency exit, if the engine dies we are basically coast to a stop, we are at about 5,000 ft so we should have time to grab either or both our rigs and lifejackets, open the door and get ready to jump. But we are in the middle of no where with the only thing in sight (beside friend in other plane) is a barge way off in the distance. The rest of the flight home was completely uneventful. Anyway, glad to hear you landed safely. Your finance sounds like a good pilot. After that flight I bet you could have gotten a beautiful diamond if he had a piece of coal. That's basically what my boyfriend said at the time. Chiquita"Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SkyDivaChristie 0 #20 May 11, 2004 The turbo-charger seized and the oil pressure caused the seals to blow out. Losing oil, the engine would have seized completely, so the best thing was to shut the engine down. That was the answer I was given. Ron: we were flying over an airfield when it happened, and could have put it down, however, we were maintaining altitude and a good airspeed, with 4 hours fuel endurance, and knowing the aircraft can fly perfectly safely on one engine, Graham made the decision to get us home. We were never further than 35 miles from an airfield the entire flight. Johannesburg International even changed their circuit pattern to accomodate us. Lesson learnt: Never leave home without your rig! The one time I could have really used it, I didn't have it! not jumping sux Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Peej 0 #21 May 11, 2004 Ahem...it's at this point that i'd like to make it known that Christie's also previously mentioned that hubby owns a King Air...DAYUM! *turns and runs* Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites pa2themd 0 #22 May 11, 2004 and an Island off the coast of Mozambique!! ... Run Reej, I am right behind ya!! "Most of us can read the writing on the wall; we just assume it's addressed to someone else!" Ivern Ball Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites piisfish 140 #23 May 11, 2004 Is it the same King Air that came back after loosing an engine ??? and you don't run anywhere... Or to the Island off Mozamdique... and get the house ready....scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites diverdriver 6 #24 May 11, 2004 QuoteRon: we were flying over an airfield when it happened, and could have put it down, however, we were maintaining altitude and a good airspeed, with 4 hours fuel endurance, and knowing the aircraft can fly perfectly safely on one engine, Graham made the decision to get us home. We were never further than 35 miles from an airfield the entire flight. Johannesburg International even changed their circuit pattern to accomodate us. Ok USA pilots....regs say that nearest suitable means anything that is suitable. NOT where you parked your car. You don't know when that other engine is going to puke and wouldn't you rather set down in control than a twin engine glider out of control? If there was nothing between me and my destination to set down at I'd press on. But you were never more than 35 miles from an airport? Uh I don't think you'd be able to glide it in so why take the chance? Nice job of flying that long single engine. Not exactly what I would do but then again I don't fly in Africa/South Africa.Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #25 May 11, 2004 QuoteOk USA pilots....regs say that nearest suitable means anything that is suitable. NOT where you parked your car. See now thats what I was thinking. QuoteYou don't know when that other engine is going to puke and wouldn't you rather set down in control than a twin engine glider out of control? Right, I mean if one goes and you don't know why yet...I'd get the hell down. I mean if it was a fuel contamination (Which I knw this was not), your other engine could crap out as well...Gee I wonder if you sweat more with both fans out in a twin than just the one in a single? This is not just a lesson in academics for me...I am most likley going to start work on my twin rating here soon. Hench the question."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
airdvr 210 #6 May 10, 2004 Nice job by your man. Now, we want to hear about your "cheeky" weekend Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #7 May 10, 2004 Glad to know you are both OK, congratulations to the pilot. But...if I was in that situation, I would do the same, not asking a single question, but I would say only one word: DOOR!!! and get my ass out __________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildblue 7 #8 May 10, 2004 QuoteEver been mid-flight and seen a propeller stop dead?! Yes. It was ok, I was just pissed that we weren't climbing as fast. it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #9 May 10, 2004 QuoteEver been mid-flight and seen a propeller stop dead?! Yeah in a single engine plane with me as the pilot... You know that thing up front is just a big fan to keep the pilot cool right???...don't believe me? Just watch him sweat if it stops turning. QuoteWe flew for an hour-and-a-half on one engine. Any Muti pilots want to explane to a single fan guy why you would keep flying on one engine instead of finding an airport and putting it down? I would think the wear on a pilot over 1.5 hours of fighting a twin on one would become a pain in the ass."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #10 May 10, 2004 QuoteAny Muti pilots want to explane to a single fan guy why you would keep flying on one engine instead of finding an airport and putting it down? I would think the wear on a pilot over 1.5 hours of fighting a twin on one would become a pain in the ass. If you were 1.5 hours from the nearest airport?---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #11 May 10, 2004 100 miles from the neareast airport? Thats not likely unless its over the middle of the desert. I knew a few multi's that flew on one engine over other airports since they parked their car at X airport and don't want to mess with finding other rides back there or their favorite mechanic was at Y airport so they just flew it there instead. Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #12 May 10, 2004 You know in the US I'd agree with you, but this is what is says in her profile.... QuoteAfrica/South Africa Could be?---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #13 May 10, 2004 Very true... but turning around is always an option too. No airports for 100+ miles in front of you, and your airport is 101+ miles behind you. Hope you pack the survial kit Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #14 May 11, 2004 Dude 200 miles between airports is nothing here in OzWe do however have a few scattered landing strips on some of ourmillion acre propertysYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #15 May 11, 2004 QuoteYou know in the US I'd agree with you, but this is what is says in her profile.... QuoteAfrica/South Africa Could be? Flying "HIS Cessna 206" -- even in the U.S., let alone South Africa... Smells like...money!! SkyDiva, just how rich IS your guy? --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #16 May 11, 2004 QuoteFlying "HIS Cessna 206" *** Errr... Not a 206... A 402!!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #17 May 11, 2004 Oops. That'll teach me to quote from memory. Anyway, either way, I'm thinking "moneyyyy!" --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #18 May 11, 2004 QuoteI'm thinking "moneyyyy!" Quote Yup! Me 2 !!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chiquita 14 #19 May 11, 2004 I have a story similar to that. We were in a Cesna 182 flying into St. Andros Island about 20 miles out and we start having problems. Push the carberator in and plane spurts, pull it out and its fine (to me anyway, at least sounded better). I ask a question or two and know that we are having trouble, he's sweating and tense. So I decide to leave him alone and grab a book and just try my best to read and block out everything except what he tells me. I have a headset on but I could not hear any outside communications, only what he said to me, which was a problem that we had had the whole flight (which in a way was a good thing) Next thing I know we are s-turning to land at the runway and landing downwind because the engine had died over the ocean. A few good things (if you can call them that): we have our rigs & lifejackets in the back, friend flying with us in another 182 has GPS so if we do go down he will know exactly where we are, and we are in a jump plane so the door would open nice and easy. After we land they look over the plane and decide that is must have been a blocked fuel line because there was still fuel in the other wing. Then we refuel and take off for Florida. About I'd say half way to Florida fuel starts gushing out of the overflow valve (so I was told), I see fuel just pouring out and smell it in the plane. This went on for a about what seem like eternity, but probably was more like 2-3 minutes at he most. I pretty much sit there and mentally get ready for emergency exit, if the engine dies we are basically coast to a stop, we are at about 5,000 ft so we should have time to grab either or both our rigs and lifejackets, open the door and get ready to jump. But we are in the middle of no where with the only thing in sight (beside friend in other plane) is a barge way off in the distance. The rest of the flight home was completely uneventful. Anyway, glad to hear you landed safely. Your finance sounds like a good pilot. After that flight I bet you could have gotten a beautiful diamond if he had a piece of coal. That's basically what my boyfriend said at the time. Chiquita"Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDivaChristie 0 #20 May 11, 2004 The turbo-charger seized and the oil pressure caused the seals to blow out. Losing oil, the engine would have seized completely, so the best thing was to shut the engine down. That was the answer I was given. Ron: we were flying over an airfield when it happened, and could have put it down, however, we were maintaining altitude and a good airspeed, with 4 hours fuel endurance, and knowing the aircraft can fly perfectly safely on one engine, Graham made the decision to get us home. We were never further than 35 miles from an airfield the entire flight. Johannesburg International even changed their circuit pattern to accomodate us. Lesson learnt: Never leave home without your rig! The one time I could have really used it, I didn't have it! not jumping sux Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #21 May 11, 2004 Ahem...it's at this point that i'd like to make it known that Christie's also previously mentioned that hubby owns a King Air...DAYUM! *turns and runs* Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pa2themd 0 #22 May 11, 2004 and an Island off the coast of Mozambique!! ... Run Reej, I am right behind ya!! "Most of us can read the writing on the wall; we just assume it's addressed to someone else!" Ivern Ball Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 140 #23 May 11, 2004 Is it the same King Air that came back after loosing an engine ??? and you don't run anywhere... Or to the Island off Mozamdique... and get the house ready....scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 6 #24 May 11, 2004 QuoteRon: we were flying over an airfield when it happened, and could have put it down, however, we were maintaining altitude and a good airspeed, with 4 hours fuel endurance, and knowing the aircraft can fly perfectly safely on one engine, Graham made the decision to get us home. We were never further than 35 miles from an airfield the entire flight. Johannesburg International even changed their circuit pattern to accomodate us. Ok USA pilots....regs say that nearest suitable means anything that is suitable. NOT where you parked your car. You don't know when that other engine is going to puke and wouldn't you rather set down in control than a twin engine glider out of control? If there was nothing between me and my destination to set down at I'd press on. But you were never more than 35 miles from an airport? Uh I don't think you'd be able to glide it in so why take the chance? Nice job of flying that long single engine. Not exactly what I would do but then again I don't fly in Africa/South Africa.Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #25 May 11, 2004 QuoteOk USA pilots....regs say that nearest suitable means anything that is suitable. NOT where you parked your car. See now thats what I was thinking. QuoteYou don't know when that other engine is going to puke and wouldn't you rather set down in control than a twin engine glider out of control? Right, I mean if one goes and you don't know why yet...I'd get the hell down. I mean if it was a fuel contamination (Which I knw this was not), your other engine could crap out as well...Gee I wonder if you sweat more with both fans out in a twin than just the one in a single? This is not just a lesson in academics for me...I am most likley going to start work on my twin rating here soon. Hench the question."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
