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Aftermath: Impatience

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The builder-pilot of an experimental RV-10 died due to an engine power loss caused by a disconnected battery cable terminal, a consequence of his last-minute, improperly installed electrical system.
  • Throughout the build and test-flying phases, the pilot displayed extreme impatience, rushing critical procedures, flying with numerous uncalibrated systems, and disregarding safety protocols despite acknowledging he was out of his depth.
  • The incident is presented as a tragic cautionary tale, emphasizing how the pilot's ambition and passion were fatally undermined by a lack of patience, restraint, and meticulousness in the complex process of aircraft construction and testing.
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(July 2011) In November 2007, the builder-pilot of a Van’s RV-10 was killed when his engine apparently lost power at low altitude. He had relocated the batteries the night before to move the CG forward, and was checking the airplane before departing on a planned trip with his family later that day.

The accident raised a flurry of interest in the RV-10 community. The pilot had been an active participant in online discussion groups, and had been conspicuous not only because he was not using the usual Lycoming engine but also, perhaps, because he radiated so much boyish passion and headlong eagerness.

Peter Garrison

Peter Garrison taught himself to use a slide rule and tin snips, built an airplane in his backyard, and flew it to Japan. He began contributing to FLYING in 1968, and he continues to share his columns, ""Technicalities"" and ""Aftermath,"" with FLYING readers.

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