Out of Underwear Experience.
Air Craft Type: Wittman Tailwind
Total time: 406 Hours
Pilotage: 1500 + Hours
This incident occurred during the last 53 miles of a 200 mile home bound flight. It was one of those super evenings, visibility 30 miles plus. Not a bump to be found anywhere, so there I sat 4000 feet, fat and happy as can be.
When checking for traffic and monitoring engine gauges I looked with amazement to see the control stick almost over to the passenger side. With disbelief at what I was seeing many things went through my mind.
My first move was to reduce power. I then added up my options. There only seemed about three. The first one was to kiss my derriere goodbye, but in a Tail Wind there is not enough room for this maneuver at best. Second option, try to land in a farm field. Five inch wheels - forget that idea. End over end Charlie was not any way to finish the day.
With 53 miles to my home base and only rudder pedals and throttle as flight controls I felt I better learn how to fly this Air Craft quickly. Landing will be another challenge when I get there. As we all know if a wing drops you can quickly pick it up with opposite rudder; well try it sometime when you are a bundle of nerves. You will really understand what over control means. This happened twice, not enjoyable.
There is one uncontrolled paved airport on route to my home base. My thoughts of trying to land there soon left me when I figured if things went sour I would most likely lay there all night as everyone at the airport goes home early.
Listening to my base Attis, I was happy to hear Runway 15, winds light. At twelve miles back the tower asked me to keep my speed up and said I was number one for 15. No traffic in the area. Now comes the fun. At about two mile final I reached out to turn off my color GPS, very distracting when landing. My finger shook so bad I could hardly hit the off button.
I think my landing was about ten feet off the ground. Second bounce she stayed down. Once I got home it took several stiff drinks and a couple of hours to get the seat cushion out of my royal cleavage.
Investigation revealed that the Control Stick had broken away from the Control Tube.
Probable cause – metal fatigue.
Help from others -.a long time ago a very good friend said #1 FLY THE DAM AIR PLANE and then sort out the problems.
Rear vision - I should have notified the authorities of my problem but I felt I had enough on my mind without having a brass band waiting for me as I tried to land.
My advice – Stay Current and know your AirCraft. {and a little luck won’t hurt either}
Walter Critchlow
C/FRDF