skydivers escape plane crash (w. video)

[Blue Side Down]

Most gliders don't have transponders, as the only source for power is batteries or solar cells.

Actually.... many serious glider pilots/ owners who thermal/ ride mountain wave/ operate in high traffic areas *do* indeed have transponders such as the Trigg model or similar. Jets and gliders have a long history of near misses, and then one day long ago a light bulb went off above someone's head that installing a txpdr and showing up on the fishfinders in jets would be a novel idea and a new trend began. Pilots initially hemmed and hawed because spending $4000 to avoid a midair that would destroy a $80,000 glider and use up a $50 repack or open a hundred thousand dollar life insurance claim was such a pain... these days its trending to be par for the course for serious pilots.

[Blue Side Down]

I believe the pilots at that particular DZ would wear chutes when flying smaller (single engine) a/c; but not when flying the twotter or casa. Perhaps there was a perception of greater safety in the bigger a/c ... I honestly can't say, as I didn't hang around there much. Only stopped off briefly on occasion to drop off or pick up chutes.

That Otter in the video didn't seem to mind that it had a 120 sq ft piece of nylon on its tail. If you watch closely, it tears to shreds and departs after about six seconds.

The bigger machines aren't so much an issue because their higher power to weight ratio and larger relative wing areas and control surfaces make for a significantly larger operating envelope.

[robbreid]

However in the case of the Hawker/Glider mid-air - the glider was equipped with a transponder, the pilot choose not to turn it on, as the glider was rented, he was unaware how much power the two batteries had left because of other pilots using the aircraft earlier in the day. Regulations state a Mode C transponder isn't required, however if one is installed, it is supposed to be turned on.

The Hawker pilot saw the glider at the last second and moved the control yoke down and to the right - that split second reaction most likely saved everybody, never mind the gear up landing that followed.

NTSB completed report

photos

[RenegadeAV8R]

CC-PJE is a Comp Air 7:

http://www.modocharlie.com/2007/11/ater ... melipilla/

If someone could translate...

Here is an automated Google Spanish to English translation:

"The plane Comp Air 7, registration CC-PJE SA Sustainabilty (C / n 1) underwent an emergency in flight, landing this afternoon on a parcel located near the city of rock. The problem was caused by a technical failure (*), which led, according to preliminary information, the four parachutists jump from the aircraft, its pilot being the only one who was slightly injured. Fortunately the pilot managed to bring the plane to land, although no casualties were reported, the plane ended up with damage. Great loss, the CC-PJE, since this aircraft was completed to join this year, and was an alternative for those who practice sport parachuting.

Tobalaba photo plane (SCTB), on 18 August this year.
Update: the plane crashed, and the paratroopers jumped, one of them took with him the pilot. More details http://www.24horas.cl

(*) While no concrete results of research, not for us to venture guesses let alone subdue anyone. The only being valid for the DGAC deliver results through its Office of Accident Investigation. That is clear."