Check this out

[n2099x]

May 26, 2002

Eyewitness report by Glen Green

At approximately 4:15p.m. PST Cessna N2099X was parked on the north side of the fuel island pointed East at Willits Airport Ca. (O28). I was walking around the front of 99X to get fuel when I observed Bellanca N28145 on final approach to runway 34. Just before touchdown if yawed towards the west, from where I was standing the wind was approximately 310 at 3-5kts with gusts. I heard the engine developing power as N28145 was coming at me nose high, gear and flaps down, the nose was pointed into the wind with the right wing approximately 10 degrees low. It ascended to about 50 feet agl 200 feet south of the fuel island then started to descend in the same configuration mushing towards 99X, the fuel tank and I. Having nowhere to run I stayed on the north side of 99X in front of the wing I dove down beside the left main gear to shield myself from possible impact or flying debris. I heard crashing then a loud impact 50 feet northwest of me. I saw 145 sliding towards the east side of the front row of hangers, it impacted the hanger about 35-40 feet from the southeast corner and came to rest on the back of Dick Johnson’s El Camino. I grabbed my fire extinguisher and ran towards 145, when I reached it Dave Lovitt was staggering away, I grabbed him and we walked away from the wreckage. 145 was leaking fuel and the master was on. Dick Johnson called the fire dept, we agreed it was too dangerous to go into the fuel and shut off the master. As people arrived I returned to 99X to find the rudder has a hole in it and a 1 to 1.5” deep dent in the side at the bottom of the X at reference station 124.00. Bellanca N28145 aprears to be a total loss.


This was hairball! :eek:

[n2099x]

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[kwmoore]

Good lord Glen. A relief to know that only metal was damaged, not people.

Sorry about 99X. :( I hope you and that fine A&P friend of yours can have it back like new in short order. Was the Bellanca already shedding hardware before impact?

When I complete each flight, I often recite the mantra, "we cheated death one more time." I guess it has real meaning--even if you're just standing on the ground!

[n2099x]

It hit the fuel sign and the plumbing on top of the fuel tank bounced over 99X and I shedding parts, wood, plastic and glass then slammed down.

Glen

[Todd Peterson]

Glad to hear that no one got hurt. You're right it sounds like it truely was "hairball" and it makes me wonder if there might have been some "hangar suck" involved.

Of course you realize that those individuals that don't hang around you California fellows may not have a clue as to what some of the terminology means. None the less I'm glad you and your speedy bird came out ok.

[Pete of N978PB]

Yikes!

Any idea what may have caused the loss of control?

Pete

[n2099x]

It looked like a gust caught him during the flare and he could not regain directional control, tried a go around and he got to far behind. Sometimes the wind socks at Willits will do 360's when you are on final you have to be ready for wind changes. Simple slow flying airplanes can save your butt!

Glen

[N735GH]

Wow!!!!...I hope you have developed a new respect for your rosary....t

[azb5gh]

That has got to make you think about timing, you know the what if I had gotten fuel 10 minutes earlier or what if.... I have been in a car accident just after leaving the airport after a great day of flying and that drove me crazy for a day or so thinking about how I did everything right so that I could fly another day only to be slapped back into reality with a car to car impact. (which I did not cause)

Your license to live can be revoked at any time and any place.

Glad to know that everyone (including the ones on the ground in the fetal position) were able to walk away.

You didn't happen to pack a change of underwear in the baggage compartment, did you?

[n2099x]

Your correct on the license to live.

But that was just another day of landing in Willits it's a good landing if you walk away right.

Glen

[keithmo]

I cannot imagine a greater feeling of helplessness than watching another plane careening towards your pride & joy. What a nightmare.

Glen, we're all thankful you made it through this unscathed.

Any estimates on when N2099X wil be flying again?

[n2099x]

150k and start over?

99X and fix it?

Glen

[n2099x]

The quote for 99x came in Monday at 48,000 and a repair time of 8 to 10 months. It involves reskinning just about all of the top surfaces a couple others and a complete repaint. Because of the dimished value after repair (damage history) and the significant cost from loss of use. I might just cash out and buy back the salvage.

Glen

[N735GH]

If you can swing it, starting over with all you now know would result in one hell of plane!!!!

[n2099x]

Tom, with what I do know now I don't know if want to swing it again. I will probably buy back 99x, fix the structural problems and fly it.

Glen

[N735GH]

Sounds like a plan..........

[n2099x]

It looks like Avemco & I have reached an agreement that leaves me with 99X as is. Maybe with a few band-aids it will be back in the air.

Glen

[Pete of N978PB]

Band Aids???????????

Duct tape not only works better, but also has the virtue of being generally accepted - AND, when removed it very nicely also removes any underlying surface dirt including grease and bug corpi.

One of the world's 8 wonders, to be sure.

Cheers all!

Pete:D

[n2099x]

Actually I was going to use Vestal White speed tape.

Glen

[n2099x]

99X is back after a marathon skin change, it still needs paint but it flys straight and in the yellow. I was very lucky the bulkhead and stringers were only bent. Dave and I started on tuesday morning the 2nd and I test flew it the morning of the 4th, it took about 60 man (or woman) hours.

Glen

[kwmoore]

Great news that the patient is up and about and still the fastest 260se around!

Glen, I'll be doing an Angel Flight into/out of Hayfork (Q72) on Sunday. Are you familiar with this airport? It's obviously surrounded closely on all sides by high terrain and if there are any tips you would have on approaching, flying a pattern, or departing the airport, I would be very interested to hear them.

[n2099x]

Kevin, from PAO hang left a little so you could make Round Valley (Covelo) and Ruth. There are not many places to land east of either one. After Ruth the long ridge is South Fork Mountain, just on the north side there is one small opening or trees. Then you can head for the lookout south of Hayfork I usually start my decent just past South Fork Mountain. I enter a right crosswind for 25. If you walk down the road and across the swingin bridge there is a cafe. If you are going early enough for breakfast give me a call.

Glen

[n2099x]

Airport Day at Willits (o28) is this Sunday the 25th. If anyone needs a reason to go flying.

Glen