28 Mar 2007 - Stranded (Warning - contains graphic pictures of mechanical damage)

An interesting day, today...

The plan was to return to Vashon Head, the Airfield used by Seven Spirit Bay, on a relativly straight forward run in the Lance. Things turned out differently...

Two planes were sent. I set out first, the freighter sent to collect all the bags. My boss, being in a faster plane, set out next to collect all the clients who had stayed at the resort, and we were therefor planning to both arrive at the same time, which looks best to the customers.

Nearby 'Cape Don'

All went well as I blasted off, and managed to keep ahead of the other plane, disproving (well, mathematically at least) that I was in the inferior plane. Sure, his had two engines, 12 seats, and no rust. But mine was... well... holding its own.



The Coburg peninsula is a beautiful place - largely pristine and undeveloped, crystal clear beaches, and at this time of year, spectacularly green. I wish google earth had an option for selecting 'season', then you could see just how green green can be...



All was going well heading into the strip. I was 'number 1' to land, and planned my arrival carefully. Overhead the strip or, as we say, joining crosswind, I reduced power and clunk...

Actually, there was more than one clunk. More like a series of clunks, like the engine had just ingested something solid (difficult to do at 1000ft), and was pounding it to pieces. Or perhaps something had come loose - mysterious vibrations do happen.

My training kicked in (no, it really did!) and I went through the usual actions. Mixture rich, change fuel tanks, blah blah blah. No end to the noise. A noticeable lack of power. I wonder with hindsight if anyone on the ground below heard anything? Probably not - there was noise, but not loud noise. Disconcerting to the pilot, slightly, or as someone else later said, I had 'sucked up a button' (think about that...). I radioed the boss, who was about a minute or two behind, to inform him of my situation. I don't remember what I said, but I'm sure I sounded calm...



Anyway, I gingerly nursed it around, keeping it close to the safety of the strip. I knew if the engine did stop I'd make it, but didn't want to make things any more difficult. Thankfully, the strip was clear of buffalos and I put it down softly, taxiing over to the waiting passengers. Strangely, my boss didn't seem too concerned, as long as I didn't park where he wanted to, all would be well... sure...



Once he was on the ground, I discussed the options with him. Or rather, I told him of my believed available options. There was a noise, sure, but no changes to any of the gauges. If it were serious, I'm sure the engine would have packed it in. Probably just something flapping away under the hood. Perhaps. The plan was therefor to:

• Load up his plane, so he can get the passengers out of there. Probably also himself. (Yes, I'm feeling supported.. not..)

Spot the problem...

To be continued