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Aftermath: Impatience

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A builder-pilot of an experimental Van's RV-10 was killed when his engine lost power due to a critical electrical connection failing, which he had improperly installed the night before.
  • The pilot exhibited extreme impatience and a pattern of rushing the aircraft's build and test-flying phase, frequently flying with unresolved mechanical and avionics issues despite acknowledging he was "out of his depth."
  • The fatal electrical failure occurred after the pilot hastily relocated the batteries to adjust the center of gravity, making a crucial connection with pliers instead of proper tools and omitting soldering.
  • The accident is presented as a tragic illustration of how ambition and eagerness, if not balanced with patience, caution, and adherence to proper procedures, can lead to catastrophic outcomes in experimental aviation.
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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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