I am OK and Thanks
Departing Othello WA October 14, 2017 with full fuel I decided to test the frangible connectors of one of their PAPI unit boxes. They work. Unfortunately the connectors and the PAPI unit box didn't survive the test.
I also thought I would test the structural strength of my right wing and fuel tank. The fuel tank failed but the wing passed...almost.
I also decided to do this test with my wife in the back seat to test her reaction to stress induced by fuel spewing out from under the right wing. She passed but just to make sure I declared an emergency.
On a more serious note, even though my takeoff was a complete fiasco, the RV8 took an incredible hit and yet held together long enough for us to safely land 30nm away as if nothing had happened. Sitting on the ramp she shows no indication of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her pilot. It is only when you look underneath the wing that things look different.
My wife thinks I handled the situation 'very professionally' but truth to tell, professionals generally prefer to stay on the runway during takeoff.
I would like to thank everyone for their help and concern. Special thanks to the Air Traffic Controllers, the pilots on the radio, and especially Grant County Approach and Tower. A special thanks to the MillionAire Club and Columbia Pacific Aviation (CPA) at Grant County International (KWMH).
At this point in time, the Starboard (right) tank is toast, the flap has a repairable gash on bottom, the elevator fiberglass tip needs to be repaired/replaced and the spar is slightly deformed in one spot near point of impact. Other than that my RV8 is OK and yes it flies fine on one tank.
The wing root shows no sign of damage including the tank flange which has the break away modification. The internal spar bolts have undisturbed torque seal and there is no obvious skin distortion on the wing.
The fuel tank punctures (2 of them 1' apart roughly 2" square are directly next to the spar leading edge and in front of the two inspection panels. With these panels removed, there is no sign of spar damage, but the front of the spar (with fuel tank removed) tells a different story. The deformation is slight, but to me (And to Vans) the spar is compromised and thus not airworthy.
I will post some pictures to
my blog site when I am up to it.
Where do I go from here? Well, I have sent some pictures to VANs asking about spar repair/replace options. I will be scanning the forums for posts from those of you who have tread this depressing path. So far I have done little other than respond to information requests from the FAA, insurance, etc. and look at very used and grossly overpriced GA aircraft pictures/videos with horrid antique panels.
I refuse to end with 'be safe'. Point of Fact is that none of us sets out to have an accident. Instead, I wish you all 'good landings'.
Regards,
Vince Himsl
RV8 N8432