Fatal(1) Evektor Harmony in Russia

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rezaf_2000
Posts: 106
Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 6:33 pm
Location: Champaign, IL

Re: Fatal(1) Evektor Harmony in Russia

Post by rezaf_2000 »

As a student pilot, watching this video is scary and disturbing. At 0:14, right in the middle of the flare, the instructor pushes the throttle all the way in, and the student pilot is apparently caught by surprise, which results in heavy P-Factor and left turning. Is there a lack of communication right there? Why would the instructor do that?!

At 0:20, the instructor turns to look at the student. If I were the student and I had botched that landing so bad, the last thing I'd expect from the instructor was to talk to me at that point. Instead, I'd expect him to remain silent and do whatever is necessary with full attention to save the flight and our lives.

It seems like both the student and the instructor have their own throttle (left hand)? Moreover, from the video it seems the throttles are not synchronized?! Even if they are, I think that is a safety issue in the design of the aircraft...

From 0:22 to 0:26, the instructor pulls the throttle back, WHILE looking at and talking to the student. At a very low altitude, with treetops in sight?!!! WHY?!!! Why pull the throttle back? I really don't understand this. The way I was taught, it's full power all the way to 1000 ft AGL, only then relax the throttle.

The thing that really confuses me though is that it seems at 0:28 they had everything finally under control, yet within 5-6 seconds they stall/spin. What happened and why?
200 hours of flight and counting
CTLSi
Posts: 783
Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 7:38 pm

Re: Fatal(1) Evektor Harmony in Russia

Post by CTLSi »

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Last edited by CTLSi on Mon Jan 19, 2015 11:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
Wm.Ince
Posts: 1080
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2013 3:27 pm
Location: Clearwater, FL

Re: Fatal(1) Evektor Harmony in Russia

Post by Wm.Ince »

CTLSi wrote:A pro CFI only takes control after a positive transfer, 'you have the control' 'i have the control' under normal flying. The CFI should NEVER seize control or manipulate the throttle, rudder or stick without a control exchange unless the plane enters an unusual attitude or unanticipated maneuver that that could stall the plane, or allow it to porpoise or exceed placarded load factors.
If you are in a cockpit with a CFI that does not behave like that, change and get someone else....it could save your life.
There you go again . . . running your mouth and not knowing what the hell you are talking about.
During a potential catastrophic situation, regardless of a verbal "positive transfer of controls" protocol, an instructor should take immediate and corrective action to prevent a dangerous situation from developing.
Under this specific situation, the instructor should have announced, "I have the controls." Point being, in that situation, the initiation should have been promptly initiated by the IP.
As an instructor, you do whatever it takes to prevent the accident. Protocol takes a back seat to safety. "I have the controls" is a protocol. As an instructor pilot, I have always subscribed to that protocol, but don't "get wrapped around the axle" with it.

One more thing . . just what is a "pro CFI?" It kind of implies that there are amateur CFI's?
Who are you to judge either?
Bill Ince
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
theoarno
Posts: 87
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:57 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Fatal(1) Evektor Harmony in Russia

Post by theoarno »

It looked to me like the instructor was spending a lot of time looking at the student and that he was surprised when the AC began to roll into the spin right at the end. Perhaps there was an issue with the AC?
I stopped the video right at the inception of impact. There are some things in this world I don't want to remember.
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