Crash in Courtenay, British Columbia

[sidestick stirrer]

News reports of a single-engine homebuilt crashing near Falcon Crest Drive around 1700 local yesterday, one fatal.
Nothing on CADORS yet...
Let's be careful out there, folks.

[Ralliart]

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/loca ... lumbiaHome

A single engine aircraft crashed into a residential neighbourhood Sunday night, according to Comox Valley RCMP.

The small, amateur-built plane is believed to have had an in-flight structural breakdown at about 5:00 p.m. over the town of Courtenay, B.C., on Vancouver Island.

Several witnesses saw debris falling off the plane as it spiraled toward the ground.

"We looekd up and saw what appeared to be a plane without a wing," witness Jason Draper said Saturday. "The plane was corkscrewing out of control with a rumbling engine, sounded like a sputtering."

It crashed just 20 feet from a home, killing the pilot. No one else was onboard, and no local residents were injured.

RCMP Forensic Identification and the Transport Safety Board investigated the scene, with help from the RCMP detachments in Campbell River and Parksville.

The single engine Jodel plane is believed to have come from Surrey. The name of the victim has not been released.

[MichaelP]

I'm very sad as I knew the pilot and the aeroplane.
It was the Jodel I thought of buying myself as it was at a good price, but it is wood and was kept outside on the grass.
My brother just told me about the accident.
The pilot was one of the nicest people you could meet at Delta Heritage Airpark, a person who always helped others, and who was always friendly.

[Osiris]

Very, very sad. He was a true gentleman.

[ZBBYLW]

Micheal, or anyone else could you please confirm with me that the airplane involved was or was not C-FUVY and who the pilot was (if it was J.D.) My father used to own this airplane and the current owner is a very close family friend.

[Old Dog Flying]

The pilot was Don S...a good friend and great supporter of GA. Always there when you needed help.

The outer wing panel at the dihedral break seperated . A Jodel builder in Courtney found the section of wing and knew what it was.

[Captain_Canuck]

I have known this man for my entire life and he one was one of the best people you could know. Always supported grass roots aviation. A person I am proud to say I know.

Don, always be blessed on your eternal flight into the sunset.

[ZBBYLW]

So I have recently found out that my father's old partner has recently sold that airplane. It was my fathers old aircraft that crashed... To me it is a bit of a shock, my first flight in a small airplane was in this particular plane, as well as most of my flying leading up to my first flight lessons.

I have brushed into Don a few times as I used to frequent Delta. He seemed like a good person, which seems to be what other's here have also said. Best wishes to his family and close friends.

For those that know the aircraft involved: It seems the "Goose" was not meant to live.

[Old Dog Flying]

A friend who witnessed the wing seperation looked at the spar and it was thoroughly rotted on the inside. Short of hacking the thing off, there would not have been any visual indication of rot on the outside of the wood surface. There was strong evidence of glue failure as well.

[c170b53]

Sorry to hear and I'm sure JD is in shock and despair as well.

[_dwj_]

In this month's COPA newsletter there was an article about moisture testing for wooden airframes. Would that not have picked up the problem?

[ZBBYLW]

Sorry to hear and I'm sure JD is in shock and despair as well.

From what I have heard he is in a fair bit of shock and despair. He had the aircraft for many years and just sold it a few months back to Don who he knew quite well...

[Hedley]

http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/regse ... a571se.htm

Part V - Standard 571 Appendix E - Inspection of Aircraft Wooden Components
Canadian Aviation Regulations 2009-1

Content last revised: 1996/10/10

Experience has shown that in addition to the normal routine maintenance inspections, all aircraft which have wooden components in their primary structure require very thorough repetitive inspections, especially of the glued joints, to determine continuing structural soundness.

While excessive moisture has been the cause of both glued joint failures and delamination of plywood, another factor to be considered is the deterioration of the structure with time. Tests have shown that even in well maintained and properly stored components, the loss of linear strength of a glued joint can amount to 60% in ten years' time.

[MichaelP]

moisture testing for wooden airframes

This is very interesting.
I remember testing being done on WW1 airframes of considerable age and that the wood, though dry, retained more than 80% of its strength.

I am a firm believer in wooden airframes and their strength (with resin glues!). For aerobatics I trust wooden spars over metal ones.
But wood needs to be looked after.

I recovered two of my Condors which were built of wood and fabric in the same manner as the Jodel.
I recovered them in cotton fabric.
I will never willingly cover a wooden airframe with Ceconite or Stitts materials.
I have seen too much rot to have confidence in these materials.

If the cotton's rotten the airframe underneath needs looking at

I once changed the fabric on a tailplane because it had been on there 22 years. It was cotton but not rotten!
The woodwork underneath was in perfect condition, the Condor had been hangared all its life.
I recovered it in cotton.

I removed the Ceconite from above the walkway of the Slingsby T67A (wooden RF6B predecessor of the T67M Firefly). Nothing sticks to Ceconite it is a mechanical bond and so galleries form between the fabric and the wood and the fabric itself works like a greenhouse.
There was a lot of rot in there and I scarfed new wood in to repair it.

I have had the fabric off a Jodel wing and found rot in the undercarriage attachment area. In the D1050 Jodel Ambassadeur there is an inset in the top of the wing where the landing gear attaches and water can accumulate in the corners. A metal cover goes around the leading edge to cover this up and for the shape of the wing and so this area is not subject to preflight inspection.
The spar is a box with ply webs and spruce in the corners. It is very strong.
The single seat D9 Jodel has a 9 G wing and can be used for aerobatics.
The two seat D150 Mascaret was also aerobatic.

When I bought my second Condor I was told that two fabric panels in the top of the wing needed replacing... I thought about it, took out my knife and stripped the whole lot off.
The structure underneath was however perfect and so I bought some more DTD575A cotton fabric and recovered the wings, ailerons, rudder and elevators. I did the tailplane later as above.

There was a Cavalier at Delta Airpark and I had the job of checking its new owner out.
This aeroplane looked awful!
The water soaked ailerons had to be removed and totally rebuilt by the new owner.
There was some rot in the wings as well...
It was parked next to the Jodel, out on the damp grass.

[Tracey]

been looking for information regarding services or where to condolences for Dons family. Can anyone here help?
I knew Don many years ago, before he became the pilot he always dreamed of being. I know the impact Don had on my life many years ago, and how saddened I am to hear of his passing. I can't imagine the loss those closer to him feel.
Will appreciate any info...
Sincerest condolences to Dons family, friends and coworkers.

Rest in peace Rocketman... love

[MichaelP]

I just phoned my brother... There's been no word so far on a funeral or remembrance for Don and I find this very disturbing.
Don was a person everyone, in the local aviation scene who knew him, liked very much.
He was one of those people who was always there... Never did anything 'spectacular' himself but was always there for others who do, and always enthusiastic.
I suppose his enthusiasm and care for others was in it's way spectacular.

Michael

[Tracey]

found this
http://www.icscc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=530

We have received an update for Don.
There have been no funeral arrangements made yet, it will be another week or so, but if you wish to send cards, here is the address for Don's sister.

Mrs. Anna Bruce
419 Davis Street
Comox, BC V9M 1K4
-------------------------------------
this news brings me happiness in knowing that Dons dreams, that he told me about near 30 years ago, became real.
Sadness that he passed while living his dreams. Regret for a lot......

[MichaelP]

Thank you Tracey

[Tracey]

you are very welcome, Michael.

[orbit]

"The name of the victim has not been released." really was he a victim...? doesn't the media get it right???...it was an accident? not an assault!
my condolances....

[swordfish]

Excellent post, MIchaelP. It gives us an insight into wood & fabric structures that's an interesting wake-up for many of us unfamiliar with the subject.

I am wondering if the rot problems can be solved/alleviated by inside storage, as it is damp pretty well year round on the coast. Also, I didn't follow your discussion on Ceconite very well, and was wondering if you could amplify the difference between cotton and Ceconite. Thanks.

[MichaelP]

I'll start another thread on the wood and fabric subject.

[Tracey]

From Saturday's Vancouver Sun

SOUTER Donald William October 26, 1956 - August 2, 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Don. Left to mourn are father, Bill, sister Anna, brother-in-law John and niece Maggie. Many cousins and extended family were also close. Don was born in Burnaby and had firm roots there, working for the City since his teens. He involved himself in sports and was always active. A passionate outspoken yet caring and generous man, he was ready to help anyone anytime. Don never married or had his own children, but was interested in assisting kids of all ages to do something good with their lives. Through his hobbies, Don had a wide social network that he kept up with often. Several very dear friends will miss his happy outlook on life. Don traveled the continent on many occasions to pursue his hobbies of flying, auto racing, photography among others. He was a lifelong learner and was part way through a degree program with the University of Phoenix. No formal service is planned at this time. Several of the groups that Don was involved with are holding their own memorials over the next few weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, Children's Hospital, Canadian Warbirds Museum or any charity of choice in memoriam would be appreciated. The family would like to acknowledge all the calls and cards of support during this very difficult time. Arrangements entrusted to: Comox Valley Funeral Home, Courtenay, BC 250-334-0707


Never forgotten, always loved.. rest in peace on your new found wings..