I was glad to see how much caution you exercised during the whole testing process. I was fully expecting to see a couple of test runs before trying to get her in the air. You allowed enough time for a fault to appear before seriously putting your life at risk. This was a well told story.

As a lifelong mechanic, flight engineer and private pilot, my rule #1 is never trust anyone else's work. Especially if you expect to take it off the ground with you in it!!

@NorthernChev

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'm just blown away by the fact he spent months finishing it, but didn't spend even one minute inspecting the frame... I don't blame the previous owner at all.

@voornaam3191

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, build every plane you fly entirely yourself. Better mine all the oar, as well. Melt your own alloys. Grow your own forest for wood. And be afraid in every other plane, be trembling during each flight. For YOU are the only perfect worker on earth. Good night.

@roberthealy8519

2 жыл бұрын

Holly Cow man ! I'm NOT going to bash you, I think you did a great job. Zip ties? Well, Just Build Another One,Simple. No one was hurt. Most Important! Thank you for the video,it Woke me UP.

@XB10001

2 жыл бұрын

Those are the words of a wise man.

@tinman8972

2 жыл бұрын

I like to do my own work because when something goes wrong I like to have the a-hole responsible close at hand.

If that had broken while you were in the air, it's a very good possibility you wouldn't have survived it. Which lends great support to the methodical and painstakingly slow testing phase of a new or rebuild aircraft. I purchased the EAA Flight Test Manual and Test Cards package for this very reason. It's very detailed, and takes some time to get through. But it walks a beginner (amateur builder like me) through the proper steps and phases of testing your new or rebuild experimental aircraft. I am in the process of rebuilding what was sold to me as a "ready to fly" experimental. Which turned out to be anything but ready to fly. Posting the progress on my youtube page under my name. Thanks for sharing this valuable learning experience. Cheers from Winnipeg.

@e.sstudios1015

2 жыл бұрын

Cool

@shmeli

2 жыл бұрын

It seems as though you're implying he wasn't or didn't test properly

@virginiahansen320

Жыл бұрын

@@shmeli It's not that he didn't test properly, it's more that he didn't do a complete restoration, including a detailed inspection of the airframe. The fact that he tested properly is the reason he's still alive.

@tanyalove6983

Жыл бұрын

Like who would have thought that the structural parts of the plane were held together with zip ties. Crazy. The guy who sold this plane should have been prosecuted as this plane was a death trap. At least he should refund the moneys paid for it.!

@capnhardway

Жыл бұрын

Should of used heavy duty zip ties, who ever heard of such a thing?

I just can't possibly imagine selling an aircraft that has been zip tied together without letting the new owner know.

You probably saved more than one amateur builder's life or at least injury by posting this. It sure helped me keep my head straight with my upcoming test runs. Slow and steady wins the race. Nicely done and thanks for sharing. Sorry for the loss of hard work and funds.

@timothyhall7153

2 жыл бұрын

Can't believe he shit canned it. I would've completely taken it apart n replaced what was broke

@timothyhall7153

2 жыл бұрын

I'd be finding the sheisty bastid that first raped me wallet then tried to kill me with the broke plane. I'd have got me money back or gotten satisfaction one way or another

This is the saddest aircraft story yet. I rebuilt my Champ years ago and know how much sweat and curses it takes to finish such an all consuming project . However, because of your good sense to complete a thorough taxi test, you are alive today.I hope there is another aircraft in your future and thanks for sharing your painful story. All the best and blue skies.

@winsor68

2 жыл бұрын

Young mate has successfully restored, test flown and safely operated half a dozen classic Australian ultralight aircraft. I reckon he's one of the most broadly experienced and skilled UL pilots Downunder.

@winsor68

2 жыл бұрын

That is especially amazing given he didn't grow up amongst it in the glory days. He's got bigger balls than me but the skills to match.

Thanks for sharing and sorry for your loss. Glad you weren't injured. Would you be okay with me sharing this in my series Weekly Dose of Aviation? Of course you will be credited both in the video and in the description.

Your extra caution in completing extra ground runs kept you alive. If that had unwound at 500 feet it is not likely you would have survived. Many people would have been in the air after a few quick tests, well done!

I’m working on a project now that I didn’t start. You definitely have to go through every nut and bolt and make sure they are correct. Don’t leave your live in the hands of someone you don’t know.

Luckiest crash I've seen thus far. Pilot not hurt, airplane given the proper send off that it deserved. Thanks for sharing and hope your luck continues

Taking over another’s project can be fraught with danger. An AI had finished out a clipped wing T-craft through cover in silver when I had bought it. In the course of completion, I recovered those,”Freshly covered wings.” Structural disasters were concealed within. Crushed wood on the spars because the old hardware was reused on the new thicker spars. It might have flown but it would have killed me under aerobatic loads. I got three Indepenent experts to recommend a repair which worked fine but if I had only trusted, I’d have died. Always get in depth fresh eyes to inspect a project. Leave the egos outside the hangar door when you do. Sorry for the loss but kudos and then some for sharing a hard earned lesson.

@kaasmeester5903

Жыл бұрын

I'd hesitate to take over someone else's half-built R/C airplane, let alone one that I'm going to be sitting in myself! Especially if I can't easily inspect the work already being done.

I can feel you pain. Great video to show the importance of a thorough, metodical, test-flight procedure! Some people believe a test-flight does not start until they are airborne. I believe many ultralight builders should see this video before they attempt to go airborne - nice job - hopfully, it's a "Life-Saver"...!

A great pastime, and a very wise man to abandon such a project, under those circumstances. Just glad that you did not become another statistic. It was your over-cautious approach to self-preservation, and assessing the problems that arose before any take-off! A great video that ALL Amateur Plane Builders should see. Thanks for posting this. Greetings from Australia.

Man that was a terrible thing to happen and I'm glad you weren't injured or worse. Smart to cut your losses but what a terrible thing. You have a great attitude and that will take you a long long way in life.

I bought a fiber-optic cable based inspection device. This could be used to inspect all of these hidden spots. Also, it could be used for inspecting scoring in the cylinders.

@kevintucker3354

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! A wall camera or a bore scope would be extremely helpful for this application!! If your new hot rod car dies on the highway, most of the time you can coast to a safe stop. Even if a wheel comes off or a tie rod breaks, odds are you can safely come to a stop on the side of the road… If your airframe twists at 1000 ft AGL in a freshly rebuilt used experiment aircraft, your likely fucked!

@roberthouston9657

2 жыл бұрын

@@kevintucker3354 well said, better hope the pooch is at least pretty 'cause ya' just about to screw it.

@petevenuti7355

2 жыл бұрын

Now I feel the need to get one.

I don't know why KZread recommended this video to me, but I'm glad it did. It's not often that one sees a dream that one has worked so hard at come crashing into, well, an embankment. You're still alive thanks to your thorough testing. I think you should be proud of your hard work and testing regimen. One learns a lot from failure too. Thank you for posting the video. I wish you success with your next project.

That sucks man! It's always sad when failure jumps out at the victory gates like that, but at least you walked away from it. Better luck on the next build. What a pretty paint job.

Sorry on all the hard work that was done. I agree with what you did about putting the Airplane out of commission. You did the right thing safety first and far most. I hope you can rebuild another plane. Thank sfor showing the video.

@tonywright8294

Жыл бұрын

Why are you sorry ?

You didn't destroy the plane, the former owner did!! Thanks for sharing.

@Herrtaft

2 жыл бұрын

No, but the music destroyed the video..

@justcrazy8605

2 жыл бұрын

Yes he did

So glad you kept it on the ground for testing! I absolutely love your song playing in the background. From 🇺🇸 USA

That was a lot of taxi test . Wasn’t your fault . Respectable of this guy to dismantle it instead of selling it to someone . Hope you get another soon .

If i was your son i would have gone out and steam rolled the thing, imagine if that had happened when you were at altitude... really sad whats happened to months of work BUT you're still here to tell us about it. lucky escape and a good lesson to the rest of the home builders out there!

Man, so good you resisted the temptation to take it off the ground. It was taxing so well. I've would have taken to the air myself. The test flight would have been less than desirable. Cheers from Louisiana.

Yeah... that guy that sold it to you knowing it was held on my zip ties should be charged for attempted murder. Theres no excuse for putting you life at risk like that

Man that was a beautiful job you did on that plane. Could have been welded and straightened out... Pre inspection would have sorted that out. Bastard should have told you about those zip ties

@lcfflc3887

2 жыл бұрын

He just gave up

@SkyWriter25

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. I think that I'd be going over for a little chat with the fellow I'd bought it from.

@ianmcnulty6194

26 күн бұрын

He should not have told you He shouldn't have put them in there in the first place He should be charged with attempted murder

Wow.. well, it's certainly a good thing that you took those test runs on such rough ground. If you had been on smooth tarmac, you may have been tempted to take it airborne.

It was living up to its namesake. Next time call it SKY Tracker. Sorry mate I just had to. Sorry for your loss.

Been there, done that. Shame you invested so much into it. The cruel reality is the first thing you need to do is check the structure and even pay someone independent to clear it. I’ve had friends seriously hurt after not catching a cracked weld and the COG being fatally incorrect due to ballast being removed at some point in time prior to it being sold.

Sadto see all your work gone in a flash, but glad you are OK. Several years ago I bought a basket case Pioneer Flightstar and spent the winter rebuilding it. I took it completely apart and used all new AN hardware, followed the construction manual and found several bad things in the biird before I got it to rebuild. I put about 200 hours on it before I let it go.

You dodged a very large bullet my friend. You didn’t lose a dime because you are alive and well thankfully. 🤙

Glad you never made it off ground. U have a guardian angel.

You’re lucky to be alive on that one. Lesson learned for all of us, thanks for sharing!

I'm glad the problem popped up before flight. I am in a similar situation to yours and a couple of other respondents here... 2 years ago I found a Slepcev Storch... an original AU kit shipped here in 1994 and completed in 1998... sans engine/prop and some avionics... Then Covid hit and I was unable to go to see the plane halfway across the country... Already had a deposit on it and an agreed deal in writing. Due to the 1.5 year pandemic delays I eventually just payed the agreed price and picked it up finally Sept 2021 with 2 - 2000 mile round trips. Once everything was home in the shop I discovered that the "ready for your powerplant and avionics and go fly" airplane was definitely not. Found that the left wing had been bent up at the tip by a couple of inches from what I can only guess was a ground strike... No apparent damage (yet) at the wing root so I'm stripping the fabric from both wings and going over them inch by inch and also making new wingtips (Hoerner style). Then I discovered that the plane had been left outside at some point and water had collected in the footwell/behind the firewall.... and rust in the tubing undersides.... a lot of it.... now I'm also stripping the fuselage and going over it with a magnifying glass. I think everything will be repairable and I will feel confident to fly it after going over every inch of the aircraft. Diligence can pay off by saving your/my life. I really appreciated how you did more than a couple high speed taxi runs. I plan to do the same! I hope you got another aircraft and continued flying!

@marthakrumboltz2710

Жыл бұрын

Make certain you check wash in and wash out by adjusting both wing struts. I have seen some wings that far off simply by not checking these. Should find the specs in owners handbook. I feel you know this but after watching this video, take nothing for granted

Honestly it sucks to have this happen after all that work you put in restoring it but it's better to have it happen here than 6000 feet in the air. This incident likely saved your life.

Beautiful little aircraft! Sorry for your loss. You are absolutely right saying it was better that this happen on the ground and not in the air.

Man my heart feels for you been there with projects. But the worst is someone was willing to place your life in danger selling you a junk airframe that no Doubt was advertised as "excellent condition"....this is why people suck.

@glenturney4750

2 жыл бұрын

NOT "PEOPLE", just 'SOME'. I wish I lived closer to this guy, I'd help him build a NEW plane using the same dimensions from this plane, then go kick that guys ass who sold him that other previously crashed plane and take his money back for him.

@savage22bolt32

2 жыл бұрын

I always tried to be a people person, but people keep ruining it for me!

@guitardzan5641

2 жыл бұрын

@@glenturney4750 This really is the kind of shit that makes me wanna get nutz for a while. Jack sounds like a nice guy and I hate seeing this kind of stuff happen to people like him. But, he survived it and he has cut his losses.......Respect to him for that.

You have done the industry a great service. You did everything right and saved yourself [and someone else for sure]. Great vid...thanks

@ZeeCaptainRon

Жыл бұрын

LOL "did everything right" LOL

@Rexster2022

8 ай бұрын

Everything but two things were done right. The inspection was incomplete as it would have either confirmed what buddy is claiming or determined there was nothing wrong, and the second thing is buddy lost control and crashed and damaged the air frame.

Greetings from the US, thanks for sharing! Be thankful you're alive. Good call to taxi her a few times! Cheers!

I'm really glad you didn't get hurt. Thanks for sharing this with everyone. Caveat Emptor!

I bought two Challenger 1's and a Challenger 2 for a "steal of a deal," knowing they had been sitting for at least ten years. $4000 for all three. A good used Challenger 2 would have cost me about $8,000-12000. I stripped it down to the frame, replaced/updated every fuselage connection point, control cables, and inspected every inch of the frame. Rust/corrosion everywhere. Ended up replacing all fuselage hardware, and some rivets. 200 hours, cost $987. Next, covered with Oratex. 51 hours, $2900. Now I have to rebuild the Rotax 503, get new exhaust, carbs, tear down the reduction drive and inspect it. Assuming $1000+. Needs new prop. $800-1200. New tires, $300. New instruments/monitors, $700. Have to do the same on the Challenger 1's. Lesson learned. Cost me more in time and money than just buying good used ones would have.

@flyerme

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Appreciate it

I was getting sadder and sadder as the vid went on. I am sorry for your bad luck but glad you took the time on the ground cheers Canada

Man, that had to be heartbreaking. Unreal that the previous owner literally had zip ties holding it together. If that broke in flight, I could’ve very easily made the airplane uncontrollable. I would sue them. I don’t know how that works in AU, but here in the U.S., that would be a lawsuit. Glad you’re ok bud!!

When you buy something used, you never know what you're getting- and you simply can't check everything. However, you're still alive because you exercised good judgment. Sorry about the loss of your project. She really looked nice.

I just finished building a plane and I feel your pain from all the work you put in but looks like someone was watching over you to not let you get off the ground with that damage hiding....

Well documented. You took your time on the ground trying to make sure it was going to respond properly. You had no way of knowing what was going to happen . Had it let loose in flight you would have been in serious trouble. You did a really nice job finishing the airplane. You have the skills & hope to see you built another one...this time brand new!

You can't trust that any experimental aircraft was built properly if you didn't build it. I bought a Velocity RG years ago from a reputable builder well-known in the experimental community. When it needed some work and one wing was opened for access, the fuel tankage space had a half-inch thickness of fiberglass shavings on its floor that the builder never bothered to vacuum up prior to closing the wing. It's a miracle I never had an engine out during the 20 hours I'd flown it by that point.

What a heart breaker! Good on you for putting it out to pasture and keeping it out of the hands of neophytes that didn’t know any better. That’s a ton of work lost and I hope you don’t get burned out and quit.

I would guess the answer to this sad story is, don't buy someone else's "half completed" projects. You never know what you are buying and in this case couldn't see the problems that existed with the airframe. Lucky this happened while you were on the ground and not in the air !! I would never buy a project plane as you don't know what the builders skills were when building it. Take a look at the Aerolite 103 as its a great machine and you would be very happy with it as its built with quality materials and fly's like a dream. Sorry for your bad luck and hope you get in the air again soon.

What a bummer. U lived to tell the tale. Good to see you back!!!

Better on the ground. Exactly. A testament to tried and true checkout. Methodical pace saved you and your share will reinforce proper steps for others. Thanks for the share.

Always get a licensed A&P mechanic to do a prebuy inspection before you purchase someone’s build project or completed, flying aircraft.

So glad you did things the way you did and you’re alive.

So glad you are alive. Thanks for sharing.

Reminds me of my own incident, bought a Renegade from a bloke who didn't fancy taking me up in it but didn't matter, whole build had been signed off by UK CAA licensed aircraft engineer, so what could go wrong? Same engineer flew it to me one-up and next day, UK commercial pilot with 50 types to his name offered to convert me, took off and he asked me if stick was fully back in my gut, Yes I said, Oh he said, we didn't climb much and he did a flat circuit with a very flat approach but we landed gracefully in a crop just short of threshold safely. Undercarriage had gone so we rang insurer who carted it away and got it rebuilt. Mender, who was Guru at Renegades, found unlawful parachute wires under skin, all skins were full of 12 bore shot, unknown incident low flying over gun school, 5kg weight on tail wheel to help c of g, ribs that should have been drilled out to lighten hadn't been done, all in all he took out 25kg!!1 When released back to me it was a dream, flew like a true bird and went onto win several rallies! Now the Boeing Max farce seems familiar!!!

First rule of aircraft mechanics is always assume the other mechanics are idiots. However as deep as you were into this project, the ultimate responsibility is yours. I hope you learned your lesson. Was the former owners work dodgy? Yes Was your project completion quality inspection dodgy? Yes. Who is at fault? You. Lesson learned, You can't put lipstick on a pig.

You sir are lucky you were so meticulous about testing before flying. Really nice video though, and very informative.

Glad you made it out alive and without injury. Those were some incredible little strips of plastic that held it together that long. I do hope someone paid the previous owner a visit to complement him on the quality of those zip ties.

Great decision to put it down permanently. I did the same to my ultralight as well as a rank horse.

I feel for you man! Don't let the setbacks to stop you from dream of flying!

@markdavid4897

2 жыл бұрын

Setbacks? That's a gross understatement! Don't fly if the equipment is junk.

8:37 This is an ancient Australian phrase adopted to express bitter disappointment

Guy who sold you this death trap ought to be horse whipped. Dang near left your Son without his Dad. Sometimes all you can do is suck it up like a man and you truly did that Bud. Glad you’ll be able to tell your son’s kids about your extra interesting afternoon. GBU

@buckmurdock2500

8 ай бұрын

are you familiar with the term caveat emptor?

Great video. I'm glad you are okay. It's hard to believe that a seller would put someone's life in jeopardy to make a few bucks. I've flown many aircraft from the original basic ultralights to most Cessnas, both single and twins to business jets to supersonic jets to four-engine heavy jets. I think you did a good job in your test. I have never tested a new aircraft but if I could be so bold as to offer a suggestion, I would sure wear a helmet on such a flight. I mean why not? The head is fragile and a bump as you hit the dirt could have done you in. But thanks for the video. There are some lessons to be learned when buying an aircraft that is not flyable. I'll subscribe.

@tdkeyes1

11 ай бұрын

10 mph impact to the skull is all that's required to make an omelette. Helmets save lives.

I’m glad your ok. That’s really all that matters my friend. Sorry about all the hard work.

Glad you found the problem in testing and didn't get hurt. Was a pretty little plane but...

Anytime you buy something used like that, you need to do a complete air worthiness inspection, just because it isn't legally required for an ultralight, doesn't mean the very same dangers of not performing it don't exist.

@darrellcook8253

2 жыл бұрын

Gravity doesn't discriminate when it's you in its grip. Gravity is the purest form of love, it holds you forever. It never lets go. I used preflight runs on every model airplane I've built. If its reasonable for me to do it's imperative that you do that if it's carrying you into the wild blue yonder. Because there's gravity.

@jimmycox5839

2 жыл бұрын

Before you buy it...

I believe you ground looped it and it bent the airplane. Sad.

I learned 45 years ago that buying a used airplane is like buying a used car. ANYTHING is possible.

Ah, the old zip tie the frame of an airplane repair. Nice.

You did the right thing by cutting it up. The builder nearly killed you by hiding his poor workmanship. An experienced airman might have detected the flaws in a pre-sale inspection.

@darrellcook8253

2 жыл бұрын

I'm absolutely sure I would have caught that on a presale inspection as I've trained myself to look at the load bearing/distribution system first. For other peoples RC airplane purchases. My unique inspection practices could be helpful in full scale I'd imagine. Too bad I'm an old fart. It would be a nice career.

Such a good lesson about buying used, really appreciate you posting this, thanks!

Condolences. So much work. Hopefully you can salvage the expensive bits.

Hats off it’s not a problem losing money and always get it back we only live once and thank God you have a practice of it checking out thoroughly on the ground so you don’t have to have a problem in flight good for you all the best in the future and a son still has his dad!!

Fabulous video. Tragic. I did laugh at the funny bits - the pull start... and felt like crying at the end after all your efforts. Thanks for sharing. Have 3 similar projects on the go so can relate.

Damn shame what people do to others by malice or by incompetence. Glad you are ok. Lesson for all. Inspect. Everything. Do your pre-flight checks as if your life depended on it... Because it does.

What a little beauty! My heart goes out to you.

Sad to see!l would have to sit for a think after finding that zip tie!

Looks like you hit a berm. Glad you were ok!

Just made me sick to watch this. What a beautiful job you did on the painting, etc. I kept hoping through the whole thing that you didn't really destroy it and that was just an expression. Best of luck to you, mate!

Sounds criminal, glad you're good!

Good on Bro= You weren't hurt! The guy flogged shoddy work- too bad you didnt catch it but you got a heap of education! cheers

Thank Heaven your ok! Remember to always double up on those primary zip ties. Redundancy is very important

@K3Flyguy

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, and the best mechanics would put 2 layers of Flex Tape 2000 over the doubled zips ties for extra strength and a longer service life!

WOW GREAT VIDEO,It's shows that when restoring a used airplane you really need to go over EVERY INCH yourself. 90% turned out to be really ONLY 89 % with the cable tie taking the place of GRADE 8 BOLTS.ALMOST like when sellers sell flooded cars,they can stall at anytime while on the freeway with your children inside.

Jack, thank you for sharing this 🙏

Anything happens on ground and we alive to tell about it is blessing for me .

I am finishing up over 2 years and I can certainly understand what a disappointment this was. I agree with other posters that you were set up by the previous owner.

Some of these home builds are a pretty big gamble, and you can be sure the person selling knows a lot more about them than the buyer!

I am very glad to see that you are much wiser than you were anxious to get that craft up into the air.

Thank goodness sir you were cautious and intelligent enough to test run it so much. If you flew that thing it could be a very different story.

Thank god you followed your own rules and taxied it for as long as you did. In some cases, the old owner could be charged with attempted murder bc he knew about the damages and he didn’t tell you about them!!! Glad to see that your ok!!❤🙏🏻💪🏼👍🏻

It may be a wreck & probably a loss now, but my brother, you were lucky that it wasn't A LOTT WORSE. You did get to go home to your family & THAT is a win because you were smart enough to use your brain & keep it on the ground. Bravo & CHEERS fr Alaska.

Damn! Really sorry that happened to you. I wanted to buy a used plane to start off with but I have my heart set on a Aerolite 103. I have a hard time trusting someone with my life. It will be new and I’ll be at the factory on the first flight and disassemble and I’ll transport home.

@richardsmith4187

2 жыл бұрын

You are very wise ! and your choice of plane is spot on. I've checked the Aerolite 103 out from top to bottom at the sun n fun fly in and it is a quality built plane with quality materials !! The owner of the company would have it no other way. Happy flying when you get your plane and enjoy the weather in Deland at the factory. I also told this builder to look into the Aerolite 103 as I think he would be very happy with it.

A good argument for a full frame inspection next time. But I know hindsight is always 20/20. At least you’re alive!

Being cautious and slowly building up as you tested, saved your life. Sorry it happened, but good thing it did.

So you mean the guy who sold it to you knew full well the frame’s damage was hidden and didn’t tell you? That HAS to be illegal. If you would’ve gotten in the air you could’ve been KILLED!!

@wallywalpamur4960

2 жыл бұрын

Haha yeah?... would that be Charles Darwin High Court's law?

@QBRX

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, couldn't you sue the ass off the guy you bought it from?

If I buy a used one im taking my time and stripping it to a bare frame and checking every weld and rivet. After watching this.

Thank goodness that happened sitting taxi practice, and not in flight!!!

Very sorry I know the work involved . I’ve been fixing one for a couple of years tested it many times but mine has no skin on it so I can see every nut and bolt I feel it’s ready wish me luck 👍

Bolted and zip tied braces? WTF? Glad you lived! Also glad you scrapped it!

Wow. Heartbreaking! Glad it turned out okay.

Thanks for sharing your video with us. Very informative.