Boogsie
Heliman
Location: London UK
| Hi all
I went flying today in some severe wind. (Desperate old me  ) I wanted to check out some adjustments I'd made to the paddle alignment and I couldn't wait till tomorrow.
Anyways, the heli took off and there was some severe wagging of the tail. I thought I had the gyro gain set to one of the rotary knobs of my tx so I turned it down, but this didn't stop the wagging. (Later I remembered that I'd changed the switch assignment!)
So I thought I'd land the thing and check that nothing was wrong with the tail etc. I put it down, and the heli was spooling down when a huge gust of wind came along. I saw it tipping over, and I gave full cyclic, but I think the blades were moving a little slow for it to have any effect. The heli tipped! (This is my first crash, and I've been flying for 3 gallons).
It sort of hit the ground, bounced over, and spun a little. Looked a little pathetic even! I walked over, my heart sinking with each step. When I got there it looked so sad, a helicopter all curled up. I had my camera, but in the excitement of the moment didn't capture this on film 
But anyways, after putting it back on its skids I noticed that nothing looked too out of place! I gave it a once over, and the only thing I could find was that one of the pitch control rods was quite bent. Even the flybar was straight. Sooo, not wanting to waste any flying time (the weather has been bad lately!) I strainghtened the rod, and fired it up again.
I got it in the air, and the blades were still in track! I couldn't believe my luck! Flew for another 2 tanks and the rain started coming down, so I packed up and thanked my lucky star!
I have some photos in my gallery. One of the damaged control rod (which has been replaced) and two of the helicopter hovering. The ground speed was 0. But look at the smoke trail for an indication of the wind speed! (Sorry about the control rod focus, can't seem to get the camera to focus up close ;()
Anyways, I am much relieved at the lack of severity of this crash.
And thanks for listening |
