Ditch
Ditch
Sometimes when there is an engine failure, or other malfunction, in an airplane, a pilot needs to make a forced landing, otherwise known as needing to "ditch the airplane."
The definition of "ditch" is to land safely on a surface that it not a runway.
The picture below was taken in 1985 when Mike owned an UltraLight. The U.S. definition of an UltraLight, according to Wikipedia, is a powered vehicle weighing less than 254 pounds empty. Though it flew, it was not defined as an aircraft, which enabled enthusiasts to own and fly something that didn't need to be registered with the F.A.A. Nor did the pilot need a pilot's license.
I'll have a better picture of the UltraLight when we get to the letter U. But for now, here's a picture where Mike had to ditch it in a wheat field. It looks quite broken, as its wings should be straight and parallel to the ground. Mike was able to walk away from it with only a twisted ankle.
But after a number of forced landings, i.e. ditchings, Mike decided to sell the UltraLight and limit his flying to more reliable airplanes. At that time, we also owned a four-passenger Maule.
The number one rule for a pilot in a forced landing situation is to "fly the airplane." Do whatever it takes to get yourself safely on the ground, and never mind if you end up smashing the plane. If John Denver had heeded that advice when making his forced landing with his brand-new airplane--if he hadn't been so concerned about landing it without damaging it--he might've saved his own life, according to my husband, who reads all accident reports. As with the majority of air disasters, it was caused by pilot error (bad judgment).
I hope you've never been involved in a situation where the pilot has needed to ditch the airplane. But if you have, tell me about it.
Sometimes when there is an engine failure, or other malfunction, in an airplane, a pilot needs to make a forced landing, otherwise known as needing to "ditch the airplane."
The definition of "ditch" is to land safely on a surface that it not a runway.
The picture below was taken in 1985 when Mike owned an UltraLight. The U.S. definition of an UltraLight, according to Wikipedia, is a powered vehicle weighing less than 254 pounds empty. Though it flew, it was not defined as an aircraft, which enabled enthusiasts to own and fly something that didn't need to be registered with the F.A.A. Nor did the pilot need a pilot's license.
I'll have a better picture of the UltraLight when we get to the letter U. But for now, here's a picture where Mike had to ditch it in a wheat field. It looks quite broken, as its wings should be straight and parallel to the ground. Mike was able to walk away from it with only a twisted ankle.
But after a number of forced landings, i.e. ditchings, Mike decided to sell the UltraLight and limit his flying to more reliable airplanes. At that time, we also owned a four-passenger Maule.
The number one rule for a pilot in a forced landing situation is to "fly the airplane." Do whatever it takes to get yourself safely on the ground, and never mind if you end up smashing the plane. If John Denver had heeded that advice when making his forced landing with his brand-new airplane--if he hadn't been so concerned about landing it without damaging it--he might've saved his own life, according to my husband, who reads all accident reports. As with the majority of air disasters, it was caused by pilot error (bad judgment).
I hope you've never been involved in a situation where the pilot has needed to ditch the airplane. But if you have, tell me about it.
I was glad you weren't "ditching" us! Great post!
ReplyDeleteVery wild and glad your husabnd was OK. Also interesting about John Denver-I believe what your husband syas cos he would know and it seemed weird when it crashed(to me anyway). I can say happily I have never been in this situatuion
ReplyDeleteI am not a drinker, but if I have to fly anywhere, I have to down a couple of wine coolers first. No, I have never been in a similar situation and hope I never am. Glad your husband knew what to do.
ReplyDeleteDeb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
Have you read the book Code Name Verity? It is one of my favorite recently read books, and I found myself thinking that I would have loved the book even more if I'd been a pilot...
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
www.marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com
I don't recall hearing about the ultra-light accident. I happen to know he is one of the safest pilots around this area, but still, a twisted ankle. Could have been worse.....but then that's the worry side of me talking again. I've never heard the official term "ditch" for bringing a plane down. Glad to learn a bit more. Thanks, Cathy!
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not thankfully! Hope to never be in that situation either.
ReplyDeleteM :)
Boy that would be scary to me, so glad he was never hurt. I have never had any type of incident with flying and am knocking on wood right now! Glad to be stopping by from the A to Z Challenge! http://theegetawaygal.com
ReplyDeleteGood post!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd want to fly an Ultra light knowing that could be a plausible outcome...
ReplyDeleteMy husband took me flying (in a small plane) for our first date. It was magical and we had a nice normal landing :)Simply Sarah