|
January
19, 1990 Advanced
Acre Safety, Inc. Sherman
E. Hall After the
initial installation of our Low Trust Detector System we began to be
somewhat complacent about the potential benefits of your system. We
regularly ground and flight checked the equipment for proper operation
but that was the only time when our attention was "focused" on
it. Additionally, I regularly take recurrent multi-engine flight
training so, as an experienced pilot, I feel I am reasonably well
prepared for an in-flight loss of an engine... assuming it is
"noticeable". My
complacency was shaken by 2 incidents: 1.
In route to Santa Barbara, California a small oil leak developed
in our right engine turbo-charger. Hot
oil came in contact with the turbo and the engine casing. Because
of the location of the leak and "slip-stream effect" on the
generated smoke, there was no visual indication to the pilot of the
condition of the turbocharger. Conditions were "solid IFR" and
the only indication of trouble was the gradual decay in manifold
pressure. Due to the reduced power setting and maneuvering / descent for
the approach, power
loss was not immediately felt. The "incipient engine failure
light", on the Low Trust Detector System gave the first clue.
I asked ATC for an "expedited vector" for the approach. In and
out of the clouds on final approach the tower spotted the smoking right
engine. Later inspection (on the ground) revealed a serious potential
fire hazard. A few more minutes in the air might have had disastrous
consequences. I attribute the safe conclusion of the flight to the early
detection by your system. 2.
Although some time has passed since the first incident, I was
again reminded of the benefits of this system when a few weeks ago I
departed Big Bear Airport, (at a high altitude field). Just after take-off
a waist gate stuck on a turbo-charger. Although this only resulted in a
few inches of manifold pressure lose, your system alerted me to the
problem and I returned to the airport to have the problem corrected.
Although this incident was minor, I strongly believe "an ounce of
prevention" was the key to avoiding a more serious problem. Early notice and action is the key. I wholeheartedly endorse your system
and certainly would have it installed in any future multi-engine
aircraft we purchase for our Company operations. I am a "real believer"! Very
truly yours, CARTER COMPANY Contractors and Developers
|
