Posted on 09/16/2005 2:50:04 PM PDT by linkinpunk
Jeep, Doing 80MPH, Drives Under Plane To Fix Landing Gear
UPDATED: 5:16 pm EDT September 16, 2005
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- It was a literal fix on the fly at the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Three men in a jeep drove within feet of a small plane to fix its landing gear while it was still in the air.
The jeep had to go just about as fast as it could go down the runway, and the small Cessna had to slow to almost stalling speed for it to work.
"It's not something, from a safety standpoint, we would promote under normal circumstances," said New Smyrna Beach spokesperson Shannon Lewis.
An instructor and student were approaching the airport, ready to land, when they noticed their landing gear wouldn't lock in place. They radioed in their predicament and then circled for about an hour before crews on the ground could come up with a plan to get them down safely.
"We went through the normal procedures, emergency procedures, did a little bit extra by driving out," said Tony Perna, Epic Aviation.
With emergency vehicles in place, the Cessna flew in low and slow with a jeep right beside it. After several passes at about 80 miles per hour, the three-man crew in the jeep was able to see the problem and figure out how to fix it.
On a final pass, the men used a five-foot long pole to push the landing gear into place and lock it. With that done, the plane was able to land safely.
The instructor was flying the plane during the low passes. Epic Aviation would not let Channel 9 speak with him.
The airport will now investigate to see if the impromptu in-flight inspection broke any major rules.
"Investigating the incident and determining if any action needs to be taken," said Lewis.
When the airport is done with their investigation, they will forward their report to the Federal Aviation Authority.
What?!?
This really happen? Very impressive.
My thoughts exactly. I remember another story like this about a year ago but I think it was an Air Force trainer. They should congratulate the 3 guys. Why investigate when the airplane didn't crash and all are safe?
I'm sure the student really wanted to be at the controls. Crushed. Heartbroken. So sad.
LVM
I have no courage what-so-ever. I am impressed every single day by some people.
Definition of an Auditor: "Someone who wanders the battlefield after the fight's over shooting the wounded"
O|||||||O
We thought about doing something like this once when I was
a teenager. We used to jump out of a J-3, static line and
one day one of our group got twisted up in it and was tethered at the end. We figured we could drive up under him
at a slow pass, cut the line and have him safe in the jeep.
It was either that or just land and drag him aways.
Fortunately the pilot found a can opener in the cockpit and was able to take him up and cut him loose, where he used
his reserve.
Great sport, when you're young and crazed.
Just Al-Qaeda looking for new ways to bypass airport security.
Wow, that's pretty incredible.
Big Clanging Brass Ones indeed. Nice to see there are still people with the spine to just go do it. And yes, the FAA is amazingly anal about rules, so these guys may be in a bit of hot water.
Bob
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That is one talented SUV.
The airport will now investigate to see if the impromptu in-flight inspection broke any major rules.
What?!?
I'm sure it broke at least one union rule, for sure.
You have never tasted my stewed tomatoes.
Fellow FReepers.
Get a JEEP whenever you can. The best engines and transmissions especially in old Cherokee. Good for 250 miles without any major work.
FAA policy is to investigate ANY incident.
That is 250,000 miles :-)
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