WTF: DH-89A at CYXX, July 2018

[Colonel]

[quote]In a Transportation Safety Board Investigation Report issued on March 28, investigators cited a strong crosswind as a possible factor that led to the crash of a vintage de Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide shortly after takeoff during the Abbotsford International Airshow at British Columbia’s Abbotsford airport (CYXX) last July.

ATC ground controllers had advised the Dragon pilot that winds were 180° at 11 knots, gusting to 18. Runway 19 was available, but aircraft displays occupied 60 percent of the runway’s length. The pilot decided to use Runway 25 instead, commencing the takeoff roll from its intersection of Taxiway D. The crosswind component was calculated to be 18 knots at the moment of takeoff. The Dragon encountered gusting winds approximately 30 feet above the runway and lost airspeed, causing it to nose over and crash just beyond the edge of Runway 25. The pilot and one passenger were seriously injured, and two passengers sustained minor injuries.[/quote]

Uuuummmm .... any reason why he didn't accelerate in ground effect after takeoff to a safe speed before attempting to climb?

[Nark1]

Certainly not a new reason the aircraft crashed. 

[Slick Goodlin]

I’d like to think I can make better flying decisions and if someone wants to slide a Dragon Rapide my way I’d be willing to demonstrate...

[Colonel]

Lower The Nose?

Naw, too easy.  That's Advanced Pilot Techniqueâ„¢, taught only at Certified Test Pilot Schools these days.

I have the sinking feeling I am one of the very few people still alive with DH.87B PIC time.

People just can't resist crashing the old stuff.  I guess it gets them attention on Facebook?

[Slick Goodlin]

[quote author=Colonel Sanders link=topic=9574.msg27408#msg27408 date=1553917121]
People just can't resist crashing the old stuff.  I guess it gets them attention on Facebook?
[/quote]
Is that why I haven’t gone viral yet?  Man, I just wanna be the Pilot Paris Hilton, though not by the same means.  None of you want to see my sex tape.