---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 04/07/06: 9 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:24 AM - Re: Rivet removal question (DrHook) 2. 05:13 AM - Dan Johnson ? (Eugene Zimmerman) 3. 05:49 AM - Re: Dan Johnson ? (Earl & Mim Zimmerman) 4. 09:56 AM - Re: Dan Johnson ? (Eugene Zimmerman) 5. 10:57 AM - Re: Dan Johnson ? (robert bean) 6. 11:17 AM - Re: Dan Johnson ? (jam-n) 7. 05:49 PM - Re: Dan Johnson ? (Eugene Zimmerman) 8. 10:03 PM - Re: Converting Five Rib Wing To 10 Ribs? (WhiskeyVictor36@AOL.COM) 9. 10:03 PM - Re: Sneaky Wind - Kolb Damage Report (WhiskeyVictor36@AOL.COM) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:24:42 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Rivet removal question From: "DrHook" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "DrHook" Thanks, Guys, I will drill them out, I think the heads are wide enough where I can use a small pair of vice grips on them, to keep em from spinning and will still have room for drilling. My supplies I ordered from Aircraft Spruce showed up yeserday. This weekend its all about workin on this baby. At first I was a bit overwelmed with all the work, but now, I think I can, I think I can. Oh Hell, I know I can!!! You guys are great. I sincerley appriciate the advice here. Mike, "planecrazzzy" was right, this is the forum to be at. I will keep you posted on the progress, & I am sure, I will need some more questions answered. Again, Mucho thanks Fellas, Chris -------- Kolb Firestar owner, Rebuild-Recover job at hand. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=26836#26836 ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:13:37 AM PST US From: Eugene Zimmerman Subject: Kolb-List: Dan Johnson ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman Did any of our Kolb friends at Sun & Fun hear anything about test pilot Dan Johnson having an accident in Florida this week? It is reported that he suffered severe back injury. ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:49:59 AM PST US From: Earl & Mim Zimmerman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dan Johnson ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Earl & Mim Zimmerman Eugene Zimmerman wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman > > Did any of our Kolb friends at Sun & Fun hear anything about test > pilot Dan Johnson having an accident in Florida this week? > > It is reported that he suffered severe back injury. > Didn't hear anything about Dan. But read this about Sean Tucker from AOPA. ~ Earl (copied) SEAN TUCKER BAILS OUT FROM AIRSHOW BIPLANE Airshow legend and AOPA member Sean D. Tucker was forced on Tuesday to bail out of his highly modified 400-horsepower Pitts S-2S biplane, the Team Oracle Challenger, while practicing his routine near Coushatta, Louisiana, 38 nm southeast of Shreveport. Tucker said he was doing a 7.5-G pull at 225 mph when he felt his control stick give. He went to his trim lever as a backup control and was able to put the aircraft in a climb to more than 9,000 feet while he evaluated the problem. Tucker wanted to save the airplane, but it was oscillating dangerously. "This was the most magical airplane I've ever flown," he said. Tucker thought he might die and passed along his love for his family to the ground crew. The local sheriff and a judge raced to the scene, closed down a road, and directed him to a farm when a bailout became inevitable. "The last thing you want to do is save your life and kill someone else," Tucker said. He ducked his head and pulled release pins holding the canopy, but was still hit twice on his helmet by the bubble as it flew off. After a brief tussle in getting free from the aircraft, Tucker popped the silk. He landed uninjured after a 25-minute ordeal and asked the sheriff to take him to the wreckage, a tangled bright red mess in a freshly plowed field. Tucker figures the airplane hit the ground at 250 mph. He found that a torque-tube linkage controlling the main elevator had failed. Tucker expects it will take a month or two to re-engine a backup biplane and return to the airshow circuit. While visibly shaken, Tucker said at Sun 'n Fun, "I want to build a better aircraft, get back to being the best aviator I can be, and start spreading the magic." ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 09:56:47 AM PST US From: Eugene Zimmerman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dan Johnson ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman Here is a message I copied from another list about Dan Johnson................... -- ANN Is Posting Breaking Stories, In REALTIME... Stay Tuned! Top News Aviation Writer Injured in LSA Accident Tue, 04 Apr '06 Dan Johnson Suffers Back Injury In Take-Off Accident A Lakeland bound LSA went down in Southern Florida Tuesday after a takeoff went awry. The departure reportedly fell victim to a lack of power from the four-stroke Rotax engine. Aviation writer Dan Johnson, who had flown the aircraft previously, was enroute to Lakeland FL, for a Fly-In, from South Florida's Naked Lady Ranch when he went down at the side of the runway in small trees and brush. Johnson suffered serious back injuries, including a compression fracture, and is scheduled for surgery Wednesday morning to repair the damage, though the prognosis is postive for a full recovery. No control difficulties or other issues appear to have contributed to the accident. The aircraft involved, a Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) Parrot, had approximately 120 hours of time in service. ANN spoke to CZAW Parrot Manufacturer, Chip Erwin, a witness to the accident, about the situation and Johnson's unfortunate injury. Chip reported that the aircraft failed to make power on takeoff, a fact reportedly confirmed to him by Johnson, developing only 4000 RPM or so on the Rotax 912 (where revs well above 5K are considered minimum). Despite the lack of take-off power (audible to those on the ground in the immediate area), Johnson attempted to continue the flight, continuing most of the length of the runway, before attempting a partial turn attempt to line up with a crosswind runway - - a decision that was apparently aborted after nearly 90 degrees of turn was completed. Attempting to turn back, the Parrot, a two-place high-wing Certified LSA, settled into small trees and brush at the side of the runway, injuring Johnson and pretty much destroying the aircraft. Erwin noted that the airframe remained fairly well intact throughout the accident, but that the attendant sink rate contributed significantly to the damage suffered by Johnson. Erwin and others rendered aid at the scene, and kept Johnson hydrated until medical help arrived, whereupon Johnson was treated for transport and moved to a St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL. ------------------------------------------------ On Apr 7, 2006, at 8:47 AM, Earl & Mim Zimmerman wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Earl & Mim Zimmerman > > > Eugene Zimmerman wrote: >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman >> >> >> Did any of our Kolb friends at Sun & Fun hear anything about test >> pilot Dan Johnson having an accident in Florida this week? >> >> It is reported that he suffered severe back injury. >> > > Didn't hear anything about Dan. But read this about Sean Tucker from > AOPA. ~ Earl > > (copied) ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 10:57:48 AM PST US From: robert bean Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dan Johnson ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean Sounds like straight ahead was a poor option. I would avert my path only for: a flaming petroleum pit lots of pointy poles aiming at me a concrete wall a backyard full of babies the oncoming lane of an expressway full of trucks A definite maybe for: swamp full of gators nudist beach Hauck's strip -BB do not archive On 7, Apr 2006, at 12:54 PM, Eugene Zimmerman wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman > > > Here is a message I copied from another list about Dan > Johnson................... > > -- > ANN Is Posting Breaking Stories, In REALTIME... Stay Tuned! > Top News > Aviation Writer Injured in LSA Accident > Tue, 04 Apr '06 > Dan Johnson Suffers Back Injury In Take-Off Accident > A Lakeland bound LSA went down in Southern Florida Tuesday after a > takeoff went awry. The departure reportedly fell victim to a lack of > power from the four-stroke Rotax engine. > > Aviation writer Dan Johnson, who had flown the aircraft previously, > was enroute to Lakeland FL, for a Fly-In, from South Florida's Naked > Lady Ranch when he went down at the side of the runway in small trees > and brush. Johnson suffered serious back injuries, including a > compression fracture, and is scheduled for surgery Wednesday morning > to repair the damage, though the prognosis is postive for a full > recovery. > > No control difficulties or other issues appear to have contributed to > the accident. The aircraft involved, a Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) > Parrot, had approximately 120 hours of time in service. > > ANN spoke to CZAW Parrot Manufacturer, Chip Erwin, a witness to the > accident, about the situation and Johnson's unfortunate injury. Chip > reported that the aircraft failed to make power on takeoff, a fact > reportedly confirmed to him by Johnson, developing only 4000 RPM or > so on the Rotax 912 (where revs well above 5K are considered > minimum). Despite the lack of take-off power (audible to those on the > ground in the immediate area), Johnson attempted to continue the > flight, continuing most of the length of the runway, before > attempting a partial turn attempt to line up with a crosswind runway - > - a decision that was apparently aborted after nearly 90 degrees of > turn was completed. > > Attempting to turn back, the Parrot, a two-place high-wing Certified > LSA, settled into small trees and brush at the side of the runway, > injuring Johnson and pretty much destroying the aircraft. Erwin noted > that the airframe remained fairly well intact throughout the > accident, but that the attendant sink rate contributed significantly > to the damage suffered by Johnson. > > Erwin and others rendered aid at the scene, and kept Johnson hydrated > until medical help arrived, whereupon Johnson was treated for > transport and moved to a St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm > Beach, FL. > ------------------------------------------------ > > > On Apr 7, 2006, at 8:47 AM, Earl & Mim Zimmerman wrote: > >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: Earl & Mim Zimmerman >> >> >> Eugene Zimmerman wrote: >>> --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman >>> >>> >>> Did any of our Kolb friends at Sun & Fun hear anything about test >>> pilot Dan Johnson having an accident in Florida this week? >>> >>> It is reported that he suffered severe back injury. >>> >> >> Didn't hear anything about Dan. But read this about Sean Tucker from >> AOPA. ~ Earl >> >> (copied) > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 11:17:40 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dan Johnson ? From: jam-n --> Kolb-List message posted by: jam-n not to mention... LOW RPMS! during takeoff roll. as was mentioned in the report... i wonder if he did what i was taught... always let the eng run at high rpms 20, 30secs or a min...at least prior the heading up into the Danger Zone? be sure you have the power to go flying. that advice comes from a u/l afi with over 20K u/l hours who also designs and builds them. he hasnt hurt himself yet, and neither have i. barnstormer On 4/7/2006, "robert bean" wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean > >Sounds like straight ahead was a poor option. >I would avert my path only for: >a flaming petroleum pit >lots of pointy poles aiming at me >a concrete wall >a backyard full of babies >the oncoming lane of an expressway full of trucks > >A definite maybe for: >swamp full of gators >nudist beach >Hauck's strip >-BB do not archive >On 7, Apr 2006, at 12:54 PM, Eugene Zimmerman wrote: > >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman >> >> >> Here is a message I copied from another list about Dan >> Johnson................... >> >> -- >> ANN Is Posting Breaking Stories, In REALTIME... Stay Tuned! >> Top News >> Aviation Writer Injured in LSA Accident >> Tue, 04 Apr '06 >> Dan Johnson Suffers Back Injury In Take-Off Accident >> A Lakeland bound LSA went down in Southern Florida Tuesday after a >> takeoff went awry. The departure reportedly fell victim to a lack of >> power from the four-stroke Rotax engine. >> >> Aviation writer Dan Johnson, who had flown the aircraft previously, >> was enroute to Lakeland FL, for a Fly-In, from South Florida's Naked >> Lady Ranch when he went down at the side of the runway in small trees >> and brush. Johnson suffered serious back injuries, including a >> compression fracture, and is scheduled for surgery Wednesday morning >> to repair the damage, though the prognosis is postive for a full >> recovery. >> >> No control difficulties or other issues appear to have contributed to >> the accident. The aircraft involved, a Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW) >> Parrot, had approximately 120 hours of time in service. >> >> ANN spoke to CZAW Parrot Manufacturer, Chip Erwin, a witness to the >> accident, about the situation and Johnson's unfortunate injury. Chip >> reported that the aircraft failed to make power on takeoff, a fact >> reportedly confirmed to him by Johnson, developing only 4000 RPM or >> so on the Rotax 912 (where revs well above 5K are considered >> minimum). Despite the lack of take-off power (audible to those on the >> ground in the immediate area), Johnson attempted to continue the >> flight, continuing most of the length of the runway, before >> attempting a partial turn attempt to line up with a crosswind runway - >> - a decision that was apparently aborted after nearly 90 degrees of >> turn was completed. >> >> Attempting to turn back, the Parrot, a two-place high-wing Certified >> LSA, settled into small trees and brush at the side of the runway, >> injuring Johnson and pretty much destroying the aircraft. Erwin noted >> that the airframe remained fairly well intact throughout the >> accident, but that the attendant sink rate contributed significantly >> to the damage suffered by Johnson. >> >> Erwin and others rendered aid at the scene, and kept Johnson hydrated >> until medical help arrived, whereupon Johnson was treated for >> transport and moved to a St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm >> Beach, FL. >> ------------------------------------------------ >> >> >> On Apr 7, 2006, at 8:47 AM, Earl & Mim Zimmerman wrote: >> >>> --> Kolb-List message posted by: Earl & Mim Zimmerman >>> >>> >>> Eugene Zimmerman wrote: >>>> --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman >>>> >>>> >>>> Did any of our Kolb friends at Sun & Fun hear anything about test >>>> pilot Dan Johnson having an accident in Florida this week? >>>> >>>> It is reported that he suffered severe back injury. >>>> >>> >>> Didn't hear anything about Dan. But read this about Sean Tucker from >>> AOPA. ~ Earl >>> >>> (copied) >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 05:49:16 PM PST US From: Eugene Zimmerman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dan Johnson ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman OK guys, but remember how skewed news reports can be. and ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I'm sure Dan is only human and susceptible to human fallibility. He obviously made a mistake or two but He is experienced above average as a pilot and it would be shear arrogance for me to assume I could or would have done better in a similar circumstance. Mistakes, however, are always great learning opportunities. Let's hope and pray for a speedy recovery for Dan. Gene On Apr 7, 2006, at 2:16 PM, jam-n wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: jam-n > > > not to mention... LOW RPMS! during takeoff roll. as was mentioned > in the > report... > > i wonder if he did what i was taught... always let the eng run at high > rpms 20, 30secs or a min...at least prior the heading up into the > Danger > Zone? be sure you have the power to go flying. that advice comes > from a > u/l afi with over 20K u/l hours who also designs and builds them. he > hasnt hurt himself yet, and neither have i. > > barnstormer > > > On 4/7/2006, "robert bean" wrote: > >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean >> >> Sounds like straight ahead was a poor option. >> I would avert my path only for: >> a flaming petroleum pit >> lots of pointy poles aiming at me >> a concrete wall >> a backyard full of babies >> the oncoming lane of an expressway full of trucks >> >> A definite maybe for: >> swamp full of gators >> nudist beach >> Hauck's strip >> -BB do not archive >> On 7, Apr 2006, at 12:54 PM, Eugene Zimmerman wrote: >> >> >> ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 10:03:46 PM PST US From: WhiskeyVictor36@AOL.COM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Converting Five Rib Wing To 10 Ribs? --> Kolb-List message posted by: WhiskeyVictor36@aol.com Alan Mancus is rebuilding his wind damaged FireStar. He would like to have a seven rib wing. But previous discussions on the list pointed out the difficulty of moving the ribs (cannot slide because of burrs creating scratches in the main spar tube) and leaving empty holes, etc. What do you think of this idea? On the 5 rib wing, there is one lower false rib centered between each full rib and there are 3 upper false ribs divided between each full rib. Remove the center upper and centered lower false ribs. Get another set of full ribs and cut them in half, right through the center of the main spar flange. With the rib assembly now in two pieces, assemble them onto the wing spars were the false ribs were removed. Form a sheet metal piece, similar to the flange thickness, to splice the cut flanges back together. Fasten the new ribs to the spars (main, leading and trailing) the same way as the existing ribs are. This would make the wing much stronger and able to tolerate a higher Vne. (five rib wings are redlined at 75 MPH). The penalty would be a heavier structure. Pass on your thoughts. Bill Varnes Original Kolb FireStar Audubon NJ ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 10:03:46 PM PST US From: WhiskeyVictor36@AOL.COM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Sneaky Wind - Kolb Damage Report --> Kolb-List message posted by: WhiskeyVictor36@aol.com Alan Mancus, the owner of the Original Kolb FireStar that was turned over onto it's back by the wind, while parked, has decided to rebuild it. Today we did a complete survey of the damage. WINGS and AILERONS: Alan was at first reluctant to cut the fabric from the wings, thinking he may be able to do the repair and just patch up any access holes. But after talking to him about possible internal hidden damage, he finally did get out his knife and remove the fabric. We had already cut a couple of holes to look inside, but it was hard to see the damage we then found with all the fabric off. When the wings hit the ground inverted, the force caused the leading edge tube spars to push on the ribs. There are two diagonals in the front portion of the rib. The longest one, that goes from the top center of the rib to the bottom of the flange on the main spar was bent out of column and the flange was also bent where the diagonal attached. The rivets held tight. All but two ribs, in both wings, were damaged identically. Also, the leading and trailing spars of the wings and ailerons were bent. On one wing, the trailing spar and aileron leading spar were minimally bent and we were able to straighten them. But all of the others will be replaced. Some of the wing tip bow support tubing was also bent slightly. Most will be replaced. The bow tube itself was not bent. The right aileron will have to be rebuilt as both leading and trailing spars were bent. The left aileron will need a new trailing spar only plus a rib or two. TAIL FEATHERS: The rudder and one elevator will have to be rebuilt as they were severely bent and a couple of ribs broken. BOOM TUBE: Completely bent and twisted to the point of almost broken in two at the aft end of the 'H' section, were the big bolt holds it to the cage. Will be replaced. The 'H' section is bent. Possibly can straighten it, but then would have to weld all the rivet holes shut in order to install in new boom tube. Unless someone has an idea on how to match drill the existing holes. FUSELAGE CAGE: Saved. No damage to it except for a few scratches on the Lexan windshield. He had just spent 6 months or more rebuilding the cage with a new nose cone, fabric and Lexan windshield, so was fortunate there. COVERING and PAINTING: Almost all surfaces will be redone. This will probably be the most expensive part of the rebuild. It will be a lot of work. Drilling out the old rivets will be the worst problem. Some come out easily, some with great difficulty, especially those stainless steel ones. If the rivet spins during drilling, it can cause the hole to become enlarged, but Alan has discovered that if you just drill the head off, then punch the rest of the rivet through into the tube, or whatever its in, it won't enlarge the hole. If it does, we found a source for 5/32" rivets that will fill the gap. Bill Varnes Original Kolb FireStar Audubon NJ Do Not Archive