Just my 2 cents worth on this issue:
During my checkout in a Piper Lance, my instructor worked with me on power-off
180 approaches. Abeam the numbers on downwind at 1,000 feet, the power came
off.
The Lance glides like a brick, and it took me many attempts and a deft touch
to get the airplane anywhere near the runway.
This experience gave me a HEALTHY respect for trying a 180 with an engine
failure.
If a 1,000 foot margin and perfect downwind setup made for a difficult task
when I knew I could put power back in, I cannot imagine trying this under stress
knowing I had to get it right the first time.
I always use Google Earth to check out an unfamiliar airport and look for nearby
golf courses or fields to use in the event of a low altitude engine failure.
At my home field (KLZU), Georgia Highway 316 forms an almost extended centerline
to Runway 7. Several people have landed on the highway after engine failure
on a Runway 7 takeoff and they are now members of the "316 Club."
I am sorry to hear about this accident, and hope that we can all learn from it.
George Powell
Lawrenceville, GA
Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org
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