28 August 2003
A prototype Lancair Columbia 400 was lost during spin tests yesterday (Wednesday August 27th). Test pilot Len Fox was completeing what had been a successful series of spin tests when on the final, well developed spin, the aircrfat failed to respond to control inputs.
Fox deployed the spin ‘chute (A small ‘chute usually stored in a canister near the tail of the aeroplane – it is designed to give the aeroplane a nose low attitude and to slow the spin rate) which functioned as advertised and allowed recovery from the spin.
Once recovery is complete it is normal to jettison the spin ‘chute, but on this occasion for yet to be determined reasons it was not possible. The drag of the ‘chute meant that a safe landing could not be assured so Fox left the aeroplane, returning via his own parachute.
The Columbia came down near Millican Oregon.
For more information click <a href=”http://www.lancair.com/certified” target=”_blank”>here</
