Fear of Landing

JUNE 28, 2024

The Cabri G2 comprises a shrouded tail rotor, usually referred to as a “Fenestron” (a registered trade mark of Eurocopter) that was proven to provide excellent maneuverability in every flight condition, in every direction of flight up to 40 kt at least. The helicopter, still powered, briefly lifted off again.

Rudder 96

Rudder Tail Lift Knot 96

Northstar VFR

JULY 21, 2024

As air flows over it, a force like lift results, and the tail is pulled in the opposite direction of the deflection. But instead of an upward force of lift on a wing, it’s a horizontal force pushing the tail of the plane causing the nose of the plane to move left and right. Why is this? This is called adverse yaw.

Rudder 52

Rudder Airplanes Pilot Stability 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 18, 2024

Most of the time, I would turn the floatplane setting the tails of the floats onto the shore in order to make our departure a simple matter of climbing in, starting the engine, and with a burst of throttle, sliding into the deeper water and going about our day. This time, I pushed the throttle all the way to the stop.

Airplanes 76

Airplanes Tail Torque Pilot 76

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 18, 2024

Most of the time, I would turn the floatplane setting the tails of the floats onto the shore in order to make our departure a simple matter of climbing in, starting the engine, and with a burst of throttle, sliding into the deeper water and going about our day. This time, I pushed the throttle all the way to the stop.

Airplanes 74

Airplanes Tail Torque Pilot 74

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The operator confirmed that the tail rotor had been installed the day before the accident. A mechanic had found a worn feathering bearing in the tail rotor hub and blade assembly. Then he followed the installation procedure, including the mast nut torque application. He asked a mechanic to come and verify the mast nut torque.

Torque 76

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 76