Taylorcraft Incident

[lfries]

The Porterville Calif. Air Show was this past Saturday 6/13.
Frank Donnelly, Dr. D, was flying his 46 clip wing doing a routine
when a rudder cable broke. I wasn't there but my friends, who know I own a Taylorcraft, let me know what happened. Dr. D was OK . I don't know Dr. D but if anyone does he might appreciate a work of encouragement.

http://www.recorderonline.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1155282116&bclid=1173324681&bctid=26332784001

[mohawktipi]

Re: Taylorcraft Incident

Thanks for the video. Guess I'll go practice landing without using the rudder pedals just in case.

[resojames]

Re: Taylorcraft Incident

I built that plane in 92 and flew in airshows for 10 years. I heard it ended up in California and was being used again for airshow work. I am glad he is all right and he is able to get it back in the air. Of all the planes I owned I loved that one the best.

[Pearson]

Re: Taylorcraft Incident

Frank was at the Taylorcraft Fly-In in Columbia a couple years ago and I got to watch him practice his routine. I got an email from him about what happened. This is what he had to say.

The left rudder cable was rubbing under the protective cover at the door so it became frayed on the outer part and the inner part stretched to where the pedal hit the firewall. I have toe brakes so no rudder, no brakes. The plane has very little damage. Slight damage at the top of the fin and rudder, prop (wood) shattered, and some cosmetic stuff. The plane has metal spars so no compression fractures from going over. The field where The plane went over was very soft. That was good and bad. Good, not much damage from the flip. Bad, the soft dirt caused the plane to turn over. If you want more information there is a description on my web site. If you wish please share this information with any of the Taylorcraft people.
Frank

https://www.drds-oldtime-aerobatics.com

[NY86]

Re: Taylorcraft Incident

Guess I'll go practice landing without using the rudder pedals just in case.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I'd think long and hard before doing this. Practice ground loops are just as expensive to repair as real ones...