Fokker DR-1 Triplane (replica) down at Geneseo Air Show

With the loss of the B-17, the Duxford mid-air, the DR-1, and who knows what else this is not looking like a good year for airshows.

Makes me re-emphasize my own safety proceedures.

 

These things happen in threes. Follow your instinct on your safety procedured & keep it that way

 

I have been messing around with airshows since 1948 and every once in a while somebody comes in contact with mother earth and some times because they had contact with somebody else before they met Mother Earth. It seems to be much like the Moth and the Flame, pilots are going to be fascinated by the excitement of the aerial stage and the desire to perform for the groundlings AND their compatriots. As in vaudeville, the stage breaks, the legs break, and , as usual, the show goes on. I suppose that it is the nature of the beast and I have known many who have succumbed to the dangers but there will always be those who wish to participate and tempt their fate. Keep 'em Flying!

 

I'm betting that the DR-1 will be rebuilt.

 

What was he doing with what looks like full up elevator? - trying to loop it way too low?

That plane needed about 15% down elevator to fly level.

 

Don't forget the P51 that was lost this week...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2013219/Pilot-Rob-Davies-escapes-WW2-fighter-mid-air-collision-airshow.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

 

James- There is nothing centering the elevator on a Dr.I. If it was upright, the elevator would be down. Since it is inverted, it is up. Without air flow, gravity determines where it (and the stick) rests. The balances on the end of a Dr.I elevator are aerodynamic only. They do not affect static balance.

Von Tutchek's Jasta 12 404/17.

Taz
Terry Phillips
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Those control surface movements aren't pilot inputs. The impact with the ground and all the banging around the airplane and pilot are getting will throw the surfaces all over the place.

 

Very possibly - (I had assumed this photo was taken an instant before impact) - so does anybody have a theory on what caused this crash?

 

James- I thought I heard it was wake turbulence. With only about 1200 lbs full-up weight and tons of lift and virtually no yaw stability, it does not take much to upset a Dr.I.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Thanks