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.
Man, those SUV's can do anything!
The AF under Carter didn't give rides to crew chiefs, except the "Airman of the month". One guy out of about 300, and I never kissed enough butt or put enough starch in my uniform to get that.
I am mad at my Wrangler.
The A/C is busted.
I'll fix it and will be happy again!
Dang, I'm glad I don't have to hear the commentary on gas prices while you do that going-where-needed.
I've taken too many cross-State trips with you already!
Now there is something Republican politicians can use, especially in California.
Not that tail Number Sorry :-( (E model?). But 67-333 (nicknamed triple cripple), 67-232, and a lot of 68-71 models.
Nice jeep! - I just bought a 2005 Corvette. :-)
Idiots.
Inspection rules are made for SAVING LIVES, no taking them.
Incredible.
Better believe it! That is a major malfunction which could have resulted in a severe accident. As for the brave guys who SOLVED THE PROBLEM..., I doubt seriously that they will be cited for anything (nor will the pilot). It is necessary to document the incident and determine its cause...
Been there..., had that type of "incident" and though the problem was not resolved in such a dramatic fashion, I was greeted by several officials with paperwork to complete (and examine my credentials closely)...
I can only imagine the thrill of flying something like that.
"The airport will now investigate to see if the impromptu in-flight inspection broke any major rules."
Break the rules. Just don't break anyBODY!
Nice save on the part of Tony (I rent planes from Epic from time to time), and I know that C172RG all too well. However, there were two incidents to the north at Flagler County Airport (X47) over the last two days. The first one was a really hard landing of a Hawker which ended up with a collapsed gear (ouch!) and the second one was a seaboat plane that lost a gear and hydraulics and was forced to land in the lake that abuts runway 6.
Wait til this winter and take the top off, it will be cheaper than fixing the AC.
Reading the 250 seriously, I thought you must be jabbing at Jeep, but I wondered if you meant 250K, which would be bragging at Jeep. Thanks for the clarifier.
We get two days of winter here in Houston!
We usually take a vacation on those two days and stand outside relishing in the fact that we aren't sweating!!
That Jeep rocks!
It is the same color as mine too.
Was moving couldn't take it with so I gave it to my mechanic for faithful service, BTW my current one has 145K on it.
Now I expect my 2002 beetle to put both of them to shame (diesel)
I have one of the new long wheel base Unlimited. I love it.
Before that I had a 1973 Commando and an 81 Scrambler. I put a full top on the Scrambler and a back seat in it. Neat vehicle.
I seem to recall seeing a clip of a stunt from an airshow a few years ago where a small plane LANDED atop a platform affixed to a pick-up...they matched speeds..then the plane settled down, then the truck slowed...anyone else recall it?
Did a little time in the pit - I bet I still can bring up the APQ-120 and align an ASN-63 before taxi. (Still have my helmet and O2 mask on a shelf) :-)
I was an F-4C/E crew chief in the mid 70's. Luke AFB AZ, and Hahn AFB Germany.
Way cool. Did time at Homestead and Kef.
Watched a good video on the Military Channel last night about Top Gun, and how they started it during Vietnam. Had some good air-to-air shots of Phantoms.
Wish I had seen that video!
Did you ever see the video of the 1965 flightline disaster at Bien Hoa AFB? Was a real eye opener.
Is that the one with the A1E Skyraiders? I saw that one. A long time ago.
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