Reno AR-Latest Speculation

[John Pleisse]

Have you seen the latest coverage on the Reno Air Race accident? The latest theory/speculation is the pilot’s seat-back became dislodged forcing the pilot (to lay) on his back in the tail cone, unable to control the AC. This idea has been brought about by recent photos. In every shot, you can see clean through the canopy and not see the pilot’s head. Even if incapacitated, the pilot would still be forced in the “sitting-up” or upright position because he was wearing a 4-point hooker harness. In addition to the trim tab detachment/failure, the tail wheel was deployed. Control cables for both of these items are routed through the tail cone, obviously. This would also confirm his inability to get a radio call off.

[MooneyMitch]

It has also been speculated that the 10 G force experienced with with the rapid upward turn, not only rendered him unconscious, but could have forced his body down and forward through the harness so that yes, he certainly was not visible in the cockpit photos.

Very, very sad and tragic situation.  I know something positive will come of this.

[John Pleisse]

Quote: Mitch

It has also been speculated that the 10 G force experienced with with the rapid upward turn, not only rendered him unconscious, but could have forced his body down and forward through the harness so that yes, he certainly was not visible in the cockpit photos.

Very, very sad and tragic situation.  I know something positive will come of this.

[Shadrach]

Quote: N4352H

The harness is rated at far more than 10g's. I promise you.

[MooneyMitch]

....and with that, it is truly all just speculation at this point.   Once again, positive things will come of this and the Reno Air Races will continue. 

[John Pleisse]

Quote: Shadrach

The harness is rated at far more than 10g's. I promise you.

[MooneyMitch]

"I like this theory because it simultaneously explains the trim tab, the tail wheel, the pilot out of view and lack of even tapping on the PTT for any kind of radio call."

I like it too.  It does make some sense at this point, as probaly we are all trying to make some sense of it.

[DaV8or]

Quote: Mitch

It does make some sense at this point, as probaly we are all trying to make some sense of it.

[jetdriven]

There is a photo of the airplane when it was upside down, the pilot is leaned over pretty far forward, head a little sideways, and no aileron input.  The photo of it vertical just before crashing shows no visible helmet and the tailwheel out (from the G force perhaps?).  Likely the extreme and sudden onset of G rendered him uncapacitated immediately.  It was all physics from there.

[fantom]

Quote: jetdriven

Likely the extreme and sudden onset of G rendered him uncapacitated immediately.  It was all physics from there.

[fantom]

Quote: jetdriven

Likely the extreme and sudden onset of G rendered him uncapacitated immediately.  It was all physics from there.

[fantom]

Maybe the 3rd time's the charm:

When that the trim tab departed the plane at those speeds, and knowing there would have been significant down trim rolled, I

doubt the loss of the elevator trim caused Jimmy to crash. What might have happened is that if the trim blew off and he suddenly started to climb, it distracted him enough that he went wide on the turn and in trying to correct, and not fly over fly the deadline ahead, he pulled back too hard and went into a high speed stall.