Posted 25 May 2018 http://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Small-plane-crashes-near-Lake-Hood-483530951.htmlThe Belite Chipper that James flew to Alaska went down yesterday while still up North. No details yet, but James reportedly walked away. Will be interesting to learn the particulars of the incident. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 26 May 2018 Later report and an interview with Jim. He said the engine quit at 150 feet on final, and he landed just short of the runway, clipped a fence and flipped over. http://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Pilot-of-crashed-plane-thanks-Alaskans-for-help-483672651.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 26 May 2018 Wonder what engine he was running on the plane?? Glad he is safe. JImChuk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 26 May 2018 Not much altitude for a go-around but no other options by the sound of it. Tough luck for James, right there. I believe he currently has a 80hp Rotax with an aftermarket kit giving him either 100hp or 114hp. Will be interesting to see what he learns about his design in regards to crash landings. He just went from theoretical results to actual results, most likely to the benefit of future owners. I wish him, and the design, the best of luck. I know he uses lots of honey-comb aluminum in the build with pieces bonded together. I would like to know the mechanics of deconstruction and rebuilding with this material and the cost. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 27 May 2018 It had a modified fuel injected 912. The Canadian company Edge Performance, I believe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 24 Oct 2018 Hi, everybody, do we have more information about this accident?It could be very interesting to know more for everybody. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 24 Oct 2018 James is forging ahead with the design and various kit options. Sadly, in my mind, one thing I have never come across is any information from him in regards to repairing a Chipper. There is a lot of sheet foam and honeycomb in a Chipper. I can see where it would do a good job absorbing energy but question what it means when it is time to repair. As in: If the elevator takes a decent hit, does it compromise everything from the cabin back while a Kitfox/Avid only needs an elevator repair after the same hit? I am very curious about this but don't pretend to know the answer. I have no idea if the wreckage was shipped back to James or if it ended up in a Northern landfill. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 24 Oct 2018 (edited) NTSB Prelim report:https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20180524X22838"According to the pilot, the accident flight was the first flight since maintenance was performed on the airplane's fuel system. The pilot stated that he departed Runway 32 and entered a right downwind to remain in the traffic pattern. While on final approach to Runway 32, he elected to execute a go-around. After opening the throttle, when about 150 ft above ground level (AGL), all engine power was lost. " Found this on a press release about Jim's latest sensor:"James Wiebe, president and CEO, was involved in an aircraft accident in Anchorage, Alaska, with the believed cause due to fuel starvation. As a result, Radiant Technology LLC, a Belite Enterprises company, is changing and improving its line of fuel management products. Our first announcement is our new Bingo 3 fluid detector. Edited 24 Oct 2018 by nlappos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 24 Oct 2018 And not a word about repairs.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites