Wow that is intense! Thanks for making that second thread, if not for that thread I would not have seen this. This topic should be on the General Comments section IMO.
News video captures the cartwheeling, then introduces you to the pilot
as he describes, something in the engine broke, he climbed to 2000 feet
and the engine quit, he recalls right up to the wingtip hitting, then he said
next thing he knew he was just sitting there!
Was there and saw it happen. As a Monday morning quarterback it appears he srewed up pretty bad. He blew the engine coming around the last pylon on the home stretch. He was now on a downwind for the runway when he pulled up to gain altitude but instead of turning for the runway after that, he carried on way to far downwind considering he would be turning final into about a 40kt headwind. Once he started his turn for final he was to far out and way to low to complete it. The real sad part of this was they cancelled the Unlimited Race which was up next as the final race of the day. For anyone who doesn't know the Unlimited Class is the non-restrictor plate Nascar Race of Air Racing.
There were also a few other close ones throughout the weekend. No injuries, just some bent metal and bruised egos.
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I was there as well, so all I can add is that he put the gear down way too early killing the glide. And he also could use the other runway, but had to make the call a bit earlier. Easy to make these comments sitting on the ground though.
