[NSRCA-discussion] Lost Abbra

[vicenterc at comcast.net]

Looks like I have a good idea what happened with the Abbra. The TX battery door is not holding the battery well and the battery cassette dropped and turn off the JR 10X TX.  I did check at lunch time and appears that it was the problem. I will do more test tonight using the tray. The reason why got disconnected is that I do the snap with fingers very fast. The additional vibration from the snap caused the power loss for few seconds. In my TX, the door has been bending with the age and did not hold the battery since leaves too much gap between the door and the battery causing the problem.   I can send pictures if requested.  Unfortunately, the bend is located in the side where the battery plugs with the TX. I was surprised how little the battery can move to cause the power loss.  It is also very easy to see when the TX comes off and on by setting on a hard surface.  It is clear that others have been having the problem.  Therefore, check and make sure that the battery door close good
. Also, put something around the battery cassette to make sure that vibration when we set the radio on hard surfaces does not move the battery. I think it is even better to tape the door and the battery.
Thanks for all responses and advise,
Vicente "Vince" Bortone

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: vicenterc at comcast.net 

Yes, yesterday afternoon I lost my Abbra.  I was doing the 45 degree down with snap.  After the snap, I could not control the plane.  This is my recollection of events:
 
1. I over rotated the snap for a kittle more than 90 degrees.  It was clear to me at that early stage that something was going wrong.  I snapped to the right.  
2. My friend Charlie was calling for me.  He also noticed and said something to put it back in position.  I told him that the plane was not responding.  
3. First reaction was to give full left to get it back upright.  The ailerons did not respond.  When I realized that, I tried to take it out of the dive by given down elevator since was pracically in inverted position.  It did not respond.  It that aptitude everything goes very fast.  Finally, I tried to give up elevator but was already too late.  I am aware that I applied these control input.  It was clear to me that there was no reaction.  I was able to realize that I didn't have control and I could not avoid the crash.  
4. I did not have time to do anything with rudder and throttle.  Throttle was at idle.  
5. When we checked the crash site. One aileron servo was buzzing hard.  I disconnected the servo.  Therefore, my first impression that the battery flew off and it got disconnected with the force of the snap was not valid.
6. I took the plane home as it came from the crash.  I disconnected only the ailerons servos.  I checked the radio and everything is working fine.  Only two servos are not working.  The throttle servo that was practically destroyed in the crash and one aileron servo that the gears were stripped.  I believe that this was caused by the force of the impact.  There was not evidence of flutter in the ailerons before the crash or structural damage after coming out of the snap.
7.  I believe that the plane was well over stall speed after the snap.  Therefore, the plane was not in stalled condition.  However, I could be wrong.
7. I use JR all around with digital servos.  PCM receiver with fail safe programmed to cut engine and leave the servos in the last commanded position.  
8. I use 2300 mah NiMh battery (4 cells AA Sanyo).  I checked the battery voltage and was at 5.15 volts after the crash.  Discharged the battery and gave 1540 mah using 250mah rate.  I am planning to cycle the battery with higher loads.  
9. It was very hot day.  The plane was sitting in the sun and it was second fly of the day around 2:00 PM.  Easily was close to 100 oF. 
 
At this point, I have to admit that has to be pilot error since I have not been able to find a definitive cause of the crash.  It is clear that the snap initiated some kind of failure.  Other pilots think that the NiMh battery gave up at high currents during the snap and caused the crash.  I have been flying this type of battery for two years now with no problems. 
 
I am informing this to the group since I would like to have your feedback.  If someone had a similar problem and found the cause of the crash, please let me know.  I am going back to my backup plane (the old hydeout).  I have a brand new Abbra so need to put it together.   
 
Thanks and have a nice day,
 
Vicente Bortone
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