G625

[asra]

Incident report.The Gyro was in it's last stages of test flying before registration.The aircraft took off and climbed at full power at approx 50 kIAS.At approx 300 feet power was reduced and aircraft set up for cruise climb.At that point a loud banging was heard from prop and it was noticed that engine RPM was droping.The engine was turned off and the gyro landed on the airfield cross strip.On examination it was discoverd that the the rotor tiedown strap had come out of it's holder and gone back into the prop.Damage to the aircraft included radiator,prop,and gearbox torn from it's mounting's.Cause of incident,Pilot error.Image Insert: 69.42 KBPhoto pre incident.M Barker

[asra]

Gee, that looks like a nice machine, can I ask what brand it is?Gavin

[asra]

Sorry to hear that Murray. I thought that I was the only one who stuffed up.[:I] Thanks for sharing that with us, and have a great festive season.[] Once again I envy your building skills!!!!![^]Is that the new N.Hintz gearbox?[?] Certainly some expensive damage, although not as expensive as when I roll them over!!!! LOLWhat was the rotor tie down strap, a 1/2" steel cable!!!! LOLI just love those ej series of Subaru engines.[][^]Aussie Paul.[]www.firebirdgyros.com

[asra]

Gavin, Murray Barker brand. Paul, the tiedown was webbing type material about inch and a half wide,its the only bloody thing that didnt break.The gearbox is a Hirth,they are a good product but in the long run I dont think its going to handle the horsepower. Merry Christmas.M Barker

[asra]

[asra]

Murray, I have just had to remove my Hirth with the hard facing coming off the small gear. Considering that I have done nothing except change the oil for over 500 training hours on Hybrid, I am very happy. I think that I will change the oil a little more often when I get it going again.[]I believe that it has proved to be as or more reliable than the Rotax box, but then it is designed for more horse power.[^]The Rotax box seems to require more regular maintenance. Am I correct with that Tim, and have you had any or many gears fail with the Rotax box[?]I have the basic ej-22 fuel injected engine of 130 hp. I believe that the secret is to have the heavier flywheel. I think mine is around the eleven pound mark. I run a variety of 68" to 70" 2 blade timber and 3 blade composite WD props.[^]I have not had a chance to try a Patroney composite prop have you?[?]Regards all. Aussie Paul.[]www.firebirdgyros.com

[NiqueNaque]

Paul,What grade of gear oil were you using in the box?Cheers,Nick.

[asra]

hey nick i run soluable oil in mine cause with all the rain i dont have to worry about changing the oil so oftenMark

[asra]

The prop on G625 is a 71 inch wide cord Patroney .I think it may be too heavy for the gearbox.The tourqe in tight turns would be preaty severe.M Barker

[birdy]

I got an Ivo magnum on the 914 Murry,wide chord thing but only 62" and rotax reckon its alright.Ignorance is bliss............but only till you realise you were.

[asra]

These Patronry props are heavy,probably a third more than a Warp drive,I'll weigh it when it gets back from being repaired.M Barker

[asra]

Thanks Murray, much appreciated. Are you backward Qlders comin to the 2005 Nationals?I may have to fly below 500'agl and refuel in padocks but I will be there!!!!!!!!!! LOLAussie Paul. []www.firebirdgyros.com

[Tim]

Paul, Its good to see you have not lost your sense of humour.The weakest point of the Rotax box is the outrigger bearing on the small gear. the gear is fully inserted into the bearing and I suspect that at 4000 to 5000 rpm oil cannot get past the spinning gear to get into the bearing. The life span seemed to be from somewhere between 150 and 650 hours. If the bearing totally failed, then gear problems would follow. Most got into the habit of checking or changing the oil regularly and replacing the bearing at the regular intervals.We noted that the "E" box did not suffer from the same problem and it had a roller bearing instead of a ball bearing. Also the thrust was borne by the large engine side bearing instead of the small bearing. The last conversion I did using the "E" box principle (M. O'Connor) now has 1175 hours without a problem.Tim McClure

[asra]

Geez, Tim you can't argue with that.[^] I thought that it was the "E" type box that you had to service quite more regularly than the Hirth.[]Yes Tim, in spite of everything, mine and others faults, I still have my sense of humour.[:0] I am definately down, but I am bloody well not out!!!!!![^]Aussie Paul. []www.firebirdgyros.com

[NiqueNaque]

Mark,Your deft trickery doth exceed mine own, I would have not but thought of that, here I am quailing in the light of your brilliant and gay repartee, you truly do outshine me with thy thrust and parry of wit and sarcasm, against this firebrand I am but a shadow.What do you do when there is a drought?I would not believe you nor follow your glowering example, though some others might, you best catch them before they catch themselves.Cheers,Nick.