Prop strike

[Robert]

I had an unpleasant experience with my Phoenix. I did a pre start engine run up and the plane tipped over forwards: prop strike. Prop broken, engine ok.

Excellent service from PureFlight and Woodcomp propellors to replace the prop.

I learned, and afterwards every experienced pilot I spoke with also told me this: Never, never do a full power pre take off test with a light taildragger. Never.  

Meanwhile, I made some unforgettable flights with my Phoenix: from Holland to the French Alps, in the French Alps to Mont Blanc, Aosta, etc, gliding in the French Alps, very nice flight back to Holland.....Life is good!!

[Alex Ress]

Thanks for the story Robert.  You'll undoubtedly save someone from the same fate by sharing this experience.  Glad you and your plane are back in top shape.

[Robert]

Thanks Alex!

[Alex Ress]

I’ll bring this topic to the top of the list to share that I had a prop strike while landing in strong crosswind.  I executed heavy breaking and can attest that at slow speeds the brakes/wheels will have enough power/traction to nose the aircraft over.  I won’t go over landing technique as Jim Lee has a post in this forum that I can’t improve on but should be read annually.  I’ll just add that the aircraft’s ability to counter weather-vaning in a cross wind largely depends on the weight/friction of the tailwheel especially at lower speeds where the rudder is of little effect.  The more aggressively you brake, the less effective the steerable tailwheel will be.

I have asked around and there are more data points on this than I knew about.  

I do have a favor to ask.  I have to repair the lower cowling. Could you please take some pics of your beautiful undamaged lower cowls and send to me?   Shots taken from below from the front and sides would be appreciated.  My email is alexress99@yahoo.com

Thank you!

[Tom Clary]

Does it make sense to replace the lower cowling instead?

[Barry.h]

Hi Alex,

Sorry to hear about your incident. For our learning, how strong was the cross wind? The handbook says up to 23 Kts but I have always had a personal limit lower than that. You are more experienced than me in tail draggers too! It would be valuable to adjust my personal limit from your exprience.

Have you got the photos you were after? I will be visiting my Phoenix later this week if you still need them. 

 

Barry

#21 in Australia

[Alex Ress]

Replacing the cowling is an option.  Paul Oxenham of JMB (paul.oxenham@jmbaircraft.com) is the aftersales manager and is responsive.  The new lower cowl was priced at $3400 USD with shipping in the ball park of $1000.  I would still need to have the holes drilled as it has to be fitted specifically for the aircraft.   I have chosen the local repair option.  I don't have a price on that yet.  I do have enough photos of an intact cowling now.  Thank you.

To address Barry's question.  The wind likely had a crosswind component at or near 20 kts.  The AOI does give a demonstrated crosswind capability of 23kts.  I was using the short wings.  The landing went fine but as I slowed down the U15 began to weathervane.  My instinct was to brake which made me weathervane more which made me brake more which made me weathervane more..., I ended up on the nose.  Your steerable tailwheel's friction with the ground is what allows you to track straight when the rudder loses effectiveness at slower speeds.   I'd love to get more data on the number of prop strikes to increase the community's awareness.  The few conversations I have had indicate there are quite a number that are not discussed in this and on the Google forum.  Regardless of the actual numbers, just know that the tail is light and maybe including that in your preflight brief would be a prudent reminder.