Spoilers on Saturday

I had already had two flights that Saturday, but an opportunity for use of the club Blanik opened up at 4:30 PM and I decided to go for one more flight. Having just been used for a lesson, the Blanik was in position on the runway, so I jumped in and got myself settled and set for a late afternoon tow.

The tow started normally, but I noticed that it was taking longer to get airborne. The tow plane was struggling to get off the ground but finally did so and we started to climb. At about 100 feet the climb got very shallow and at that time John Mahoney, the tow plane pilot, wagged his rudder once then twice. I thought he was losing power and could not release me. It appeared to me that we were both about to go into the trees. I released so at least the tow plane would make it out.

As soon as I released, I noticed my airspeed drop rapidly…spoilers open! I quickly closed them and re-trimmed the Blanik for best glide. I was low over the trees and thought I was going to make a tree landing.

Fortunately there was a field directly in front of me. I wasn't sure I was going to make it and knew that the worst thing that could happen was to try to make the field and fail, catching the wing at the edge of the trees and cart-wheeling in. This would be bad for the Blanik and worse...very bad for me! I selected a point about 100 feet before the end of the trees as the point of no return — there I would decide whether I was going to make it to the field or turn right and attempt a tree landing. I set my speed at 55-60 (best glide with just a bit more energy to spare) and when I reached that point my airspeed was good and height was enough (just!) to make the field.

I cleared the trees, made a quick 90-degree turn to line up with the field and made a soft landing. Well, I survived, the plane was not damaged and I made probably the shortest cross-country flight on club record! I was safe and out of the cockpit, walking towards the road, having signaled the tow plane.

I knew I had made some mistakes. First, how did the spoilers open? Did I miss them in the preflight? If they are not fully locked, the air pressure at towing speeds will open the spoilers all the way. I also misinterpreted the signal for spoiler open. Wagging the rudder is the signal and wagging the tail means tow plane cannot release. I chose the latter meaning.

Not excusing my shortcomings on this occasion, I will say that radio contact would have informed me directly that my spoilers were opened and the flight would have concluded normally. I have since purchased a hand held radio for this purpose.

First, I want to thank John Mahoney for his great job of sticking with me and allowing me enough height to get to the field. He would have been justified in releasing me, but he made a great effort to help get me to a safe landing.

I want to thank all the guys who came and broke down the Blanik. The guys were on the scene in minutes and we were back on the field in less than 1½ hours. I was safe, the Blanik was safe and I had a lot to think about. It was my turn to buy beer, a very small price to pay for all the help I received and my fortunate outcome.

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