[NSRCA-discussion] Two killed by model airplane

[Doug Cronkhite]

The main issue with this problem is there was no failsafe set whatsoever, so
instead of the energy rapidly diminishing, this couple got hit with
increasing energy of this biplane diving under power. 

 

FWIW.. I don't setup my failsafe for engine kill. I set it up for ending
idle, as an idle engine produces more drag than a stopped engine, more
quickly reducing energy, and not allowing the airplane to get too far. Yes..
the engine is running, but that spinning prop is the least of your worries
if you get hit with an airplane.

 

-Doug

 

 

 

 

  _____  

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of brett terry
Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 12:54 PM
To: NSRCA Mailing List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Two killed by model airplane

 

Even killing the engine only removes the spinning prop from the equation.
The mass of the plane still carries a tremendous amount of energy,
especially at "fly-by" speeds of 60-100 mph, or over 200 for some pylon
racers and jets.  An 11# pattern plane at 120 mph has roughly the same
energy as a 25# scale aerobatic plane flying 80 mph, or a 40# plane flying
around 60 mph.  Or, for that matter, your 2500 lb car at 5 mph.
Unfortunately the impact is typically focused about a single point, greatly
increasing the amount of localized damage.  Even getting hit by a wing would
feel like baseball bat.  

I hate to even think of the damage caused by a direct spinner hit.

Scary stuff!

Fly safe, 

Brett



On 5/21/06, Bob Pastorello <rcaerobob at cox.net> wrote:

I have oft wondered if an "ignition CUT off" that sensed loss of RX decoder
outputs that would KILL the motor wouldn't help.  It would at least mitigate
the energy of the impact.  Never heard of one out there that works exactly
like I'm describing, and it would probably only be effective for gassers at
this stage, but it may REDUCE the degree of injury.

 

I fear full DUAL RF_Link redundancy in our future....


Bob Pastorello
www.rcaerobats.net
rcaerobob at cox.net

-

 

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