PIO on approach

Please tell what happened and how it might have been avoided. Names should be ommitted. This forum should help others learn from mistakes that caused or nearly caused a mishap.
Post Reply
User avatar
Steve90266
Posts: 488
Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2007 6:05 pm
Location: Manhattan Beach
Contact:

PIO on approach

Post by Steve90266 »

Malibu pilot pulls off a difficult approach. Pilot was flying an Aeros Combat from around 2001, and the rumor is that it may have been his first time on the glider. The Aeros Combat is notoriously the most difficult to fly topless glider ever made. Joey has two of them, wont fly them anymore. It appears that the pilot finds himself high on his cross to final, attempts to pull in to bring the glider down, and finds himself in an exaggerated PIO. The pilot's correct reaction is to release bar pressure and go wings level, re-gaining control of the glider and accepting a landing in the wash. Pilot landed with a broken down tube and some other minor damage to the glider, but not much else. In other words, he pulled it off.

Lessons: Know your glider, its handling characteristics, and your capabilities. Stay calm, and stay ahead of the aircraft.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro5LS46mxdo[/youtube]
Steve Murillo
User avatar
dhmartens
Posts: 938
Joined: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:36 am
Location: Reseda

Post by dhmartens »

Looks like a jet thermal hit his wing tip at 7 seconds and another one on his nose at 11 seconds, the old "one two punch"(I've had it that happen to me as well). Some of those 2003, pre 2006 designs seemed less controlled than very recent wings. On youtube you can slow it to quarter speed by clicking the "gear" on lower right screen. If it keeps wobbling put a tail on it.

Doug
Post Reply