Use Pause for lessons learned.
This is the Emergency Landing at DCA, Reagan National, of the Military Aviation Museum TBM Avenger during the 70th anniversary of VE Day, Arsenal of Democracy flyover. A 1500psi pinhole hydraulic leak vaporized in the cockpit, appeared like smoke, and prompted a decision to abort the flyover and land at Reagan DCA airport.
The video is broken into two parts. The first is real time, the second breaks down my thoughts at the time and draws lessons learned for other pilots to learn from. The biggest lesson was how the leak presented itself in a vapor form. It moved and acted like smoke, combined with fluid heat on the legs of my passenger, it was mistaken for fire. The only differentiating feature from smoke from a fire is the smell. An electrical fire and engine fire have very distinct smells, this had the smell of hydraulic fluid. Hopefully this will help someone else recognize the difference in the future.
We were off the runway quickly and caused no delays for traffic at Reagan, fixed and flown out later that afternoon. Thank you to all who helped! American Airlines and Signature Aviation Mechanics found and fixed the problem in record time. The emergency was flown exactly as briefed for that segment of flight. To have a malfunction for that 2 mile segment when I had flown a thousand miles in the last few days and the last few years without any incidents at all is statistically impossible.
This event, especially on this day, gave a somber reminder to all those who didn't have a runway conveniently aligned. To those who were hundreds of miles away from the nearest carrier, in enemy waters. To those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember.
A nickel on the grass.
Keep em' Flying!
Museum Links
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Arsenal Of Democracy Link
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Perspective this Memorial Day.
4June1942
6 brand new TBF Avengers made their combat debut during the Battle of Midway. It was a fierce battle. 5 of 6 planes were lost and the 6th suffered one casualty with the other gunner and pilot injured. Now imagine that 20 year old pilot tending to his injuries, and the crewman in the back, also wounded, trying to save the life of their friend while bringing their crippled aircraft several hundred miles home. Imagine bullets ripping through the fuselage and battle damage causing similar emergencies and chaos in their wounded bird. Imagine the thoughts of the brave men who flew the next missions in the Avenger, knowing the fate of their brothers before, and the courage it took to step for that next sortie.
150 aircraft were lost and 307 men gave their lives for our flag from 4-7JUN1942 during a single battle. Several crewmen were shot down, captured, tortured and then thrown off of ships with kerosene cans tied to their feet and left to drown. Imagine half your office coworkers, all friends of yours, gone in a day.
This emergency was easy. We, The Fortunate Few, are caretakers of this living history lest we never forget.
We remember.
