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Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Well, my resume' is getting more complete....I had to put the 'fox  

down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...engine problem.  

After getting the plane back on a trailer and bringing it home, the  

preliminary finding is no cam action on either the valves, or via the  

camshaft, the distributor shafts. So I'll need to pull the engine and  

get into the rear cover, under which lurks the cam/crank gear. I  

think the recent rear main seal seepage might have been a clue. You'd  

have to know the Jabiru engine to know why I think this is possible.



Anybody think this incident will make me MORE willing to cross "the  

big water?"



I was at about 1500' agl when it happened, and had plenty of time to  

look for a suitable field, found it and circled around CCW from a  

heading of 043° to a heading of 090° and landed with the grain with a  

very slight right-hand crosswind...wind was from 150°.  A guy was  

walking along the road and noticed a very quiet plane coming in over  

his head and called his son to come over with a "quadrunner" and we  

all went to his house. We left shortly for the airshow at Caro  

airport (my destination), where we met up with Deke, filled him in on  

the shenanigans, then went back to the scene and towed the plane out  

of the field, while Brian, my flight instructor brought my trailer up  

the 140+ miles to help me out. Got it all loaded up (remember a week  

or so ago when I said I didn't like towing my plane and the next time  

I did it, it would be because I needed to?.....well, guess what?)

Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Sbennett3(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:36 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Lynn, I'm glad Michigan is blessed with many  fields as i'm sure you are also    I guess this means you wont be  meeting me at KLAF this weekend     Keep us informed of what  the diagnosis is... I have 918 on the hobbs on my plane (different motor) but  i'm sure the same may happen to me one day.  Steve Bennett   kf4/912

  

  In a message dated 8/3/2008 10:13:37 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  lynnmatt(at)jps.net writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		  -->    Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson    <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>



Well, my resume' is getting more complete...I    had to put the 'fox  

down into a freshly harvested wheat field    today...engine problem.  

After getting the plane back on a trailer    and bringing it home, the  

preliminary finding is no cam action on    either the valves, or via the  

camshaft, the distributor shafts. So    I'll need to pull the engine and  

get into the rear cover, under    which lurks the cam/crank gear. I  

think the recent rear main seal    seepage might have been a clue. You'd  

have to know the Jabiru engine    to know why I think this is possible.



Anybody think this incident will    make me MORE willing to cross "the  

big water?"



I was at about    1500' agl when it happened, and had plenty of time to  

look for a    suitable field, found it and circled around CCW from a  

heading of    043° to a heading of 090° and landed with the grain with a  

very    slight right-hand crosswind...wind was from 150°.  A guy was     

walking along the road and noticed a very quiet plane coming in over     

his head and called his son to come over with a "quadrunner" and we     

all went to his house. We left shortly for the airshow at Caro     

airport (my destination), where we met up with Deke, filled him in    on  

the shenanigans, then went back to the scene and towed the plane    out  

of the field, while Brian, my flight instructor brought my    trailer up  

the 140+ miles to help me out. Got it all loaded up    (remember a week  

or so ago when I said I didn't like towing my plane    and the next time  

I did it, it would be because I needed    to?.....well, guess what?)

Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV    Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8  he  es  y       -->                 - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS  nbsp;               - List Contribution Web Site  ;                             =========================

	




Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos.

  [quote][b]

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 7:17 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Yeah, the fields were plentiful today, and thanks to a nice glide  

ratio, I got to pick a nice short-cropped yellow one from all the  

tall green ones. Unless a miracle happens, I'm on the disabled list  

for this weekend, Steve...bummer.



It's funny that I noticed a slight seepage from the rear main seal  

while at Oshkosh, and about 8 hrs later this happens. I'll pull the  

engine tomorrow, so I should know very soon what let go. The main  

seal leaking was surely a clue, because the surface that the rear  

seal rides on is the crankshaft gear, not the crankshaft itself in a  

Jabiru, strange as that sounds. It could be minimal, but I figure at  

least some bent valves when they stopped and the pistons kept moving.  

There's gotta be some metal throughout the engine, as the prop  

continued to turn until slow on final.



I was surprised at how quickly I got through the "this can't be  

happening" phase, and into the "where the hell's that landing field"  

phase. I was just 7 minutes from Caro's field and knew I couldn't  

make that, so that's when a quick scan of available airports/strips  

on the GPS took place, and all were too far away. This field was made  

to order. I got it turned to downwind, tried to start it...dumb move  

with the prop still turning....then shut off the fuel, the ignition,  

the master, and made a pretty damn good landing, if I do say so  

myself. I couldn't have got that tail down any further unless I got  

out and dug a trench....no practicing wheel landings under those  

circumstances, for sure.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs





On Aug 3, 2008, at 10:31 PM, Sbennett3(at)aol.com wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		      Lynn, I'm glad Michigan is blessed with many fields as i'm sure  

 you are also    I guess this means you wont be meeting me at  

 KLAF this weekend     Keep us informed of what the diagnosis  

 is... I have 918 on the hobbs on my plane (different motor) but i'm  

 sure the same may happen to me one day.  Steve Bennett  kf4/912



 In a message dated 8/3/2008 10:13:37 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  

 lynnmatt(at)jps.net writes:

 



 Well, my resume' is getting more complete....I had to put the 'fox

 down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...engine problem.

 After getting the plane back on a trailer and bringing it home, the

 preliminary finding is no cam action on either the valves, or via the

 camshaft, the distributor shafts. So I'll need to pull the engine and

 get into the rear cover, under which lurks the cam/crank gear. I

 think the recent rear main seal seepage might have been a clue. You'd

 have to know the Jabiru engine to know why I think this is possible.



 Anybody think this incident will make me MORE willing to cross "the

 big water?"



 I was at about 1500' agl when it happened, and had plenty of time to

 look for a suitable field, found it and circled around CCW from a

 heading of 043° to a heading of 090° and landed with the grain with a

 very slight right-hand crosswind...wind was from 150°.  A guy was

 walking along the road and noticed a very quiet plane coming in over

 his head and called his son to come over with a "quadrunner" and we

 all went to his house. We left shortly for the airshow at Caro

 airport (my destination), where we met up with Deke, filled him in on

 the shenanigans, then went back to the scene and towed the plane out

 of the field, while Brian, my flight instructor brought my trailer up

 the 140+ miles to help me out. Got it all loaded up (remember a week

 or so ago when I said I didn't like towing my plane and the next time

 I did it, it would be because I needed to?.....well, guess what?)

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster

 Jabiru 2200

 Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 he es y   -- 

 >              - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS nbsp;            - List  

 Contribution Web Site ;                          

 =========================



 Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read  

 reviews on AOL Autos.

 www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List _- 

 www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

 ============================================================

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

thesupe(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Hi Lynn C  I'm glad things ended well for you with the engine out.  It does come as a suprise when it happens all right.  I had to make a hayfield landing once with my MK IV when it still had the 582.  Fuel filter was plugging and just after takeoff C when the header tank ran down C engine spit and sputtered and would only hold about 4500 RPM.  I didn't know then what was wrong C so I put it down in a neighbors field.  It wasn't the engine's fault C but I did eventually switch over to a Jabiru for better reliability..????  It hasn't let me down yet C but I've only put 100 hrs on it so far.  Hope you are back in the air soon and the bill isn't to great.  Jim Chuk C  Kitfox 4 building C Avid MK IV flying C MN



 	  Quote: 	
		   From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 Subject: Re: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

 Date: Sun C 3 Aug 2008 23:12:32 -0400

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 

 Yeah C the fields were plentiful today C and thanks to a nice glide 

 ratio C I got to pick a nice short-cropped yellow one from all the 

 tall green ones. Unless a miracle happens C I'm on the disabled list 

 for this weekend C Steve...bummer.

 

 It's funny that I noticed a slight seepage from the rear main seal 

 while at Oshkosh C and about 8 hrs later this happens. I'll pull the 

 engine tomorrow C so I should know very soon what let go. The main 

 seal leaking was surely a clue C because the surface that the rear 

 seal rides on is the crankshaft gear C not the crankshaft itself in a 

 Jabiru C strange as that sounds. It could be minimal C but I figure at 

 least some bent valves when they stopped and the pistons kept moving. 

 There's gotta be some metal throughout the engine C as the prop 

 continued to turn until slow on final.

 

 I was surprised at how quickly I got through the "this can't be 

 happening" phase C and into the "where the hell's that landing field" 

 phase. I was just 7 minutes from Caro's field and knew I couldn't 

 make that C so that's when a quick scan of available airports/strips 

 on the GPS took place C and all were too far away. This field was made 

 to order. I got it turned to downwind C tried to start it...dumb move 

 with the prop still turning....then shut off the fuel C the ignition C 

 the master C and made a pretty damn good landing C if I do say so 

 myself. I couldn't have got that tail down any further unless I got 

 out and dug a trench....no practicing wheel landings under those 

 circumstances C for sure.

 

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster

 Jabiru 2200

 Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs

 

 

 

 

 On Aug 3 C 2008 C at 10:31 PM C Sbennett3(at)aol.com wrote:

 

 > Lynn C I'm glad Michigan is blessed with many fields as i'm sure 

 > you are also  I guess this means you wont be meeting me at 

 > KLAF this weekend  Keep us informed of what the diagnosis 

 > is... I have 918 on the hobbs on my plane (different motor) but i'm 

 > sure the same may happen to me one day. Steve Bennett kf4/912

 >

 > In a message dated 8/3/2008 10:13:37 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time C 

 > lynnmatt(at)jps.net writes:

 > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 >

 > Well C my resume' is getting more complete....I had to put the 'fox

 > down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...engine problem.

 > After getting the plane back on a trailer and bringing it home C the

 > preliminary finding is no cam action on either the valves C or via the

 > camshaft C the distributor shafts. So I'll need to pull the engine and

 > get into the rear cover C under which lurks the cam/crank gear. I

 > think the recent rear main seal seepage might have been a clue. You'd

 > have to know the Jabiru engine to know why I think this is possible.

 >

 > Anybody think this incident will make me MORE willing to cross "the

 > big water?"

 >

 > I was at about 1500' agl when it happened C and had plenty of time to

 > look for a suitable field C found it and circled around CCW from a

 > heading of 043° to a heading of 090° and landed with the grain with a

 > very slight right-hand crosswind...wind was from 150°. A guy was

 > walking along the road and noticed a very quiet plane coming in over

 > his head and called his son to come over with a "quadrunner" and we

 > all went to his house. We left shortly for the airshow at Caro

 > airport (my destination) C where we met up with Deke C filled him in on

 > the shenanigans C then went back to the scene and towed the plane out

 > of the field C while Brian C my flight instructor brought my trailer up

 > the 140+ miles to help me out. Got it all loaded up (remember a week

 > or so ago when I said I didn't like towing my plane and the next time

 > I did it C it would be because I needed to?.....well C guess what?)

 >

 >

 > Lynn Matteson

 > Kitfox IV Speedster

 > Jabiru 2200

 > Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 he es y -- 

 > > - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS nbsp; - List 

 > Contribution Web Site ; 

 > =========================

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > Looking for a car that's sporty C fun and fits in your budget? Read 

 > reviews on AOL Autos.

 > www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List _- 

 > www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

 > ===================================

 

=====================
	


[quote] _====================

 

 

 

Your PC C mobile phone C and online sergo/108587394/direct/01/' target='_new'>See how Windows® fits your life   	  Quote: 	
		  [b]

thesupe(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Hi Lynn C  I'm glad things ended well for you with the engine out.  It does come as a suprise when it happens all right.  I had to make a hayfield landing once with my MK IV when it still had the 582.  Fuel filter was plugging and just after takeoff C when the header tank ran down C engine spit and sputtered and would only hold about 4500 RPM.  I didn't know then what was wrong C so I put it down in a neighbors field.  It wasn't the engine's fault C but I did eventually switch over to a Jabiru for better reliability..????  It hasn't let me down yet C but I've only put 100 hrs on it so far.  Hope you are back in the air soon and the bill isn't to great.  Jim Chuk C  Kitfox 4 building C Avid MK IV flying C MN



 	  Quote: 	
		   From: lynnmatt(at)jps.net

 Subject: Re: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

 Date: Sun C 3 Aug 2008 23:12:32 -0400

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 

 Yeah C the fields were plentiful today C and thanks to a nice glide 

 ratio C I got to pick a nice short-cropped yellow one from all the 

 tall green ones. Unless a miracle happens C I'm on the disabled list 

 for this weekend C Steve...bummer.

 

 It's funny that I noticed a slight seepage from the rear main seal 

 while at Oshkosh C and about 8 hrs later this happens. I'll pull the 

 engine tomorrow C so I should know very soon what let go. The main 

 seal leaking was surely a clue C because the surface that the rear 

 seal rides on is the crankshaft gear C not the crankshaft itself in a 

 Jabiru C strange as that sounds. It could be minimal C but I figure at 

 least some bent valves when they stopped and the pistons kept moving. 

 There's gotta be some metal throughout the engine C as the prop 

 continued to turn until slow on final.

 

 I was surprised at how quickly I got through the "this can't be 

 happening" phase C and into the "where the hell's that landing field" 

 phase. I was just 7 minutes from Caro's field and knew I couldn't 

 make that C so that's when a quick scan of available airports/strips 

 on the GPS took place C and all were too far away. This field was made 

 to order. I got it turned to downwind C tried to start it...dumb move 

 with the prop still turning....then shut off the fuel C the ignition C 

 the master C and made a pretty damn good landing C if I do say so 

 myself. I couldn't have got that tail down any further unless I got 

 out and dug a trench....no practicing wheel landings under those 

 circumstances C for sure.

 

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster

 Jabiru 2200

 Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs

 

 

 

 

 On Aug 3 C 2008 C at 10:31 PM C Sbennett3(at)aol.com wrote:

 

 > Lynn C I'm glad Michigan is blessed with many fields as i'm sure 

 > you are also  I guess this means you wont be meeting me at 

 > KLAF this weekend  Keep us informed of what the diagnosis 

 > is... I have 918 on the hobbs on my plane (different motor) but i'm 

 > sure the same may happen to me one day. Steve Bennett kf4/912

 >

 > In a message dated 8/3/2008 10:13:37 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time C 

 > lynnmatt(at)jps.net writes:

 > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 >

 > Well C my resume' is getting more complete....I had to put the 'fox

 > down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...engine problem.

 > After getting the plane back on a trailer and bringing it home C the

 > preliminary finding is no cam action on either the valves C or via the

 > camshaft C the distributor shafts. So I'll need to pull the engine and

 > get into the rear cover C under which lurks the cam/crank gear. I

 > think the recent rear main seal seepage might have been a clue. You'd

 > have to know the Jabiru engine to know why I think this is possible.

 >

 > Anybody think this incident will make me MORE willing to cross "the

 > big water?"

 >

 > I was at about 1500' agl when it happened C and had plenty of time to

 > look for a suitable field C found it and circled around CCW from a

 > heading of 043° to a heading of 090° and landed with the grain with a

 > very slight right-hand crosswind...wind was from 150°. A guy was

 > walking along the road and noticed a very quiet plane coming in over

 > his head and called his son to come over with a "quadrunner" and we

 > all went to his house. We left shortly for the airshow at Caro

 > airport (my destination) C where we met up with Deke C filled him in on

 > the shenanigans C then went back to the scene and towed the plane out

 > of the field C while Brian C my flight instructor brought my trailer up

 > the 140+ miles to help me out. Got it all loaded up (remember a week

 > or so ago when I said I didn't like towing my plane and the next time

 > I did it C it would be because I needed to?.....well C guess what?)

 >

 >

 > Lynn Matteson

 > Kitfox IV Speedster

 > Jabiru 2200

 > Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 he es y -- 

 > > - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS nbsp; - List 

 > Contribution Web Site ; 

 > =========================

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > Looking for a car that's sporty C fun and fits in your budget? Read 

 > reviews on AOL Autos.

 > www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List _- 

 > www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

 > ===================================

 

=====================
	


[quote] _====================

 

 

 

Get more from your digital life. Find out how.   	  Quote: 	
		  [b]

gary.algate(at)sandvik.co
Guest

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Glad you and the plane are OK - I seem to recall at some stage Jab went to wider cam and valve train gears - don't know if this might be a contributing factor? 

 

Regards 

 

Gary

 

 Gary Algate

 SMC, Exploration

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

 

 

 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may arise as a result of the e-mail transmission. [quote][b]

jcrowder(at)lpbroadband.n
Guest

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Good job Lynn.  Successes like yours are encouraging.  Better if it hadn't

happened though.  Everyone will anxiously await your reports.



Jim Crowder



[quote] --

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 5:34 am Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Gary, Jim and Jim...



At this stage, I'm just going to the hangar and getting to pull the  

engine. The wider valve train gears were probably designed to  

withstand more pressure, and if my guess are correct, that's where it  

failed. With both valve train and dist's not turning, the cam-to- 

crank gearing is the first connection and most likely suspect in my  

mind...a few hours from now I should know.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs



On Aug 4, 2008, at 12:04 AM, gary.algate(at)sandvik.com wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Glad you and the plane are OK - I seem to recall at some stage Jab  

 went to wider cam and valve train gears - don't know if this might  

 be a contributing factor?



 Regards



 Gary



 Gary Algate

 SMC, Exploration

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the  

 addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of  

 this message by persons or entities other than the intended  

 recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error,  

 kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the  

 message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for  

 any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may  

 arise as a result of the e-mail transmission. _- 

 www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List _- 

 www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

 ============================================================

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:28 am Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

 	  Quote: 	
		   From: Lynn Matteson [lynnmatt(at)jps.net]

 I had to put the 'fox  

 down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...


	


Gosh, I don't know what to say, Lynn. I always felt that if you could fly the Fox+Jab, I was safe too. Please keep me informed of your findings regarding the cause of the engine stop. Good thing you found a nice field to put the plane down, though. Good for you mate! 



Incidentally, I checked today about my pilot license and ... they are not sure. Apparently it is up to my doctor to make the decision if I can or can't fly anymore.



Cheers,

Michel Verheughe

Norway

Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

260 hours on the engine and awaiting medical clearance

<pre><b><font size  color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:25 am Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Lynn:



You have just become living evidence that practice and training and a bit

more practice works.  Congratulations on a successful forced approach!



Noel



--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

jose_m_toro(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:41 am Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Lynn:

  

 I'm glad you and the plane are ok.  I have a Jab 2200 since Jan 2005 that have not flown yet.  After your story and John M's, I wonder why should I trust this engine.  Have you posted on the Jabiruengines list?  They may provide valuable information.

  

 Best Regards!

  

 Jose

 N369JT (another 369)

 

 ---

msm_9949(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:50 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Well, so much for the invitation I was gonna make you to fly formation from Ludington to OSH next year.  I'm just thankful to hear that you were able to find a suitable place to make the proverbial "great" landing.

  

 Keep us posted on the diagnosis and treatment, Lynn. We're all curious to hear what the Jabiru people will have to say about this blot on their reputation for reliability.

  

 Marco Menezes N99KX

 Model 2 582-90 C-Box

 



--- On Sun, 8/3/08, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:



  	  Quote: 	
		  From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

Subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Sunday, August 3, 2008, 10:07 PM



 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>



Well, my resume' is getting more complete....I had to put the 'fox  

down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...engine problem.  

After getting the plane back on a trailer and bringing it home, the  

preliminary finding is no cam action on either the valves, or via the  

camshaft, the distributor shafts. So I'll need to pull the engine and  

get into the rear cover, under which lurks the cam/crank gear. I  

think the recent rear main seal seepage might have been a clue. You'd  

have to know the Jabiru engine to know why I think this is possible.



Anybody think this incident will make me MORE willing to cross "the  

big water?"



I was at about 1500' agl when it happened, and had plenty of time to  

look for a suitable field, found it and circled around CCW from a  

heading of 043° to a heading of 090° and landed with the grain with a  

very slight right-hand crosswind...wind was from 150°.  A guy was  

walking along the road and noticed a very quiet plane coming in over  

his head and called his son to come over with a "quadrunner" and we  

all went to his house. We left shortly for the airshow at Caro  

airport (my destination), where we met up with Deke, filled him in on  

the shenanigans, then went back to the scene and towed the plane out  

of the field, while Brian, my flight instructor brought my trailer up  

the 140+ miles to help me out. Got it all loaded up (remember a week  

or so ago when I said I didn't like towing my plane and the next time  

I did it, it would be because I needed to?.....well, guess what?)

Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs

	
	


           [quote][b]

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:53 pm Post subject: Re: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Good work Lynn on the forced approach.  !!!



Just goes to show any engine can die.  MY 582 is at 500 hours now and not been apart since New in 2006 June. I am going to put a new engine in this week. Cost will be about 4000$ for a brand new long block  - not bad for over 500 hours .  This is my third engine in this Kitfox.   I will post what I find inside this engine soon.  Likely not much I think. 



Dave

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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Lynn Matteson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Yeah, the fields were plentiful today, and thanks to a nice glide 

 ratio, I got to pick a nice short-cropped yellow one from all the tall 

 green ones. Unless a miracle happens, I'm on the disabled list for 

 this weekend, Steve...bummer.



 It's funny that I noticed a slight seepage from the rear main seal 

 while at Oshkosh, and about 8 hrs later this happens. I'll pull the 

 engine tomorrow, so I should know very soon what let go. The main seal 

 leaking was surely a clue, because the surface that the rear seal 

 rides on is the crankshaft gear, not the crankshaft itself in a 

 Jabiru, strange as that sounds. It could be minimal, but I figure at 

 least some bent valves when they stopped and the pistons kept moving. 

 There's gotta be some metal throughout the engine, as the prop 

 continued to turn until slow on final.



 I was surprised at how quickly I got through the "this can't be 

 happening" phase, and into the "where the hell's that landing field" 

 phase. I was just 7 minutes from Caro's field and knew I couldn't make 

 that, so that's when a quick scan of available airports/strips on the 

 GPS took place, and all were too far away. This field was made to 

 order. I got it turned to downwind, tried to start it...dumb move with 

 the prop still turning....then shut off the fuel, the ignition, the 

 master, and made a pretty damn good landing, if I do say so myself. I 

 couldn't have got that tail down any further unless I got out and dug 

 a trench....no practicing wheel landings under those circumstances, 

 for sure.



 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster

 Jabiru 2200

 Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs





 On Aug 3, 2008, at 10:31 PM, Sbennett3(at)aol.com wrote:



>    Lynn, I'm glad Michigan is blessed with many fields as i'm sure 

> you are also    I guess this means you wont be meeting me at KLAF 

> this weekend     Keep us informed of what the diagnosis is... I 

> have 918 on the hobbs on my plane (different motor) but i'm sure the 

> same may happen to me one day.  Steve Bennett  kf4/912

>

> In a message dated 8/3/2008 10:13:37 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 

> lynnmatt(at)jps.net writes:

> 

>

> Well, my resume' is getting more complete....I had to put the 'fox

> down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...engine problem.

> After getting the plane back on a trailer and bringing it home, the

> preliminary finding is no cam action on either the valves, or via the

> camshaft, the distributor shafts. So I'll need to pull the engine and

> get into the rear cover, under which lurks the cam/crank gear. I

> think the recent rear main seal seepage might have been a clue. You'd

> have to know the Jabiru engine to know why I think this is possible.

>

> Anybody think this incident will make me MORE willing to cross "the

> big water?"

>

> I was at about 1500' agl when it happened, and had plenty of time to

> look for a suitable field, found it and circled around CCW from a

> heading of 043° to a heading of 090° and landed with the grain with a

> very slight right-hand crosswind...wind was from 150°.  A guy was

> walking along the road and noticed a very quiet plane coming in over

> his head and called his son to come over with a "quadrunner" and we

> all went to his house. We left shortly for the airshow at Caro

> airport (my destination), where we met up with Deke, filled him in on

> the shenanigans, then went back to the scene and towed the plane out

> of the field, while Brian, my flight instructor brought my trailer up

> the 140+ miles to help me out. Got it all loaded up (remember a week

> or so ago when I said I didn't like towing my plane and the next time

> I did it, it would be because I needed to?.....well, guess what?)

> Lynn Matteson

> Kitfox IV Speedster

> Jabiru 2200

> Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 he es y   

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 270.5.10/1587 - Release Date: 8/2/2008 5:30 PM



Great landing Lynn,,,  and you are safe and sound  and did not get 
	


hurt ,or hurt your plane  STEVE SHINABERY N554KF  KF2

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Michel, Jose, Steve, Dave and Marco-

Thanks for the encouraging words guys....yeah, I guess even a blind  

squirrel finds a nut now and then. : )

I had to laugh today when Keith C. called me with an offer to send me  

a new pair of shorts. I told him I was too dumb to be scared.

I've got 3 more cyl heads to pull tomorrow and the oil pan, and then  

I'll know better just what will have to be replaced...reports as they  

become available.

Keep after that doc, Michel, and I hope he's up to date as to how  

calming and laid back flying can be at our level of involvement.

Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs

On Aug 4, 2008, at 10:25 AM, Michel Verheughe wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  > From: Lynn Matteson [lynnmatt(at)jps.net]

> I had to put the 'fox

> down into a freshly harvested wheat field today...

 Gosh, I don't know what to say, Lynn. I always felt that if you  

 could fly the Fox+Jab, I was safe too. Please keep me informed of  

 your findings regarding the cause of the engine stop. Good thing  

 you found a nice field to put the plane down, though. Good for you  

 mate!

 Incidentally, I checked today about my pilot license and ... they  

 are not sure. Apparently it is up to my doctor to make the decision  

 if I can or can't fly anymore.

 Cheers,

 Michel Verheughe

 Norway

 Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

 260 hours on the engine and awaiting medical clearance

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 forums.matronics.com</a>

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_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Jose-

It was really strange that I was thinking about John M's 577-hr  

problems, and thinking that until I got past that magic number, I'd  

be concerned. Came up 15 hours shy....damn! : )

I haven't posted on Jab yet....I was waiting until I could total all  

the stuff that will require replacing or repairing.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs



On Aug 4, 2008, at 3:38 PM, Jose M. Toro wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Lynn:



 I'm glad you and the plane are ok.  I have a Jab 2200 since Jan  

 2005 that have not flown yet.  After your story and John M's, I  

 wonder why should I trust this engine.  Have you posted on the  

 Jabiruengines list?  They may provide valuable information.



 Best Regards!



 Jose

 N369JT (another 369)

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

gary.algate(at)sandvik.co
Guest

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:30 pm Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Guys I think we need to keep this in perspective - Now that I've returned to Australia I've learned that there are hundreds of these engines being used in most Recreational training aircrafts in Australia and they are also rapidly gaining respect throughout Europe and N.America. 

 

I am not saying this because I have a Jab also, as have flown behind 912's and 582's and also respect them highly. 

 

Unfortunately anything mechanical can fail but it will be very interesting to see what Lynn finds when he takes a look "inside". 

 

I don't believe that there have been many reported Jab2200A failures  

 

Best regards, 

 

Gary

 Gary Algate

 Classic 4 Jab2200A

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

 

 

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Dick Maddux

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 516
Location: Milton, Fl

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 4:57 am Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Jose, You can have a failure of any engine at any time. I had a failure on a R 1820 (master rod broke) attached to a T-28 and dead sticked it in from 3000' ( It is now "on a stick" at a local town on display) and had a Lyc 180 fail cold turkey on a Pitts going straight up at 200 feet AGL.It did not fare as well as I ended up in a field upside down with the the tank spilling fuel all over me and unable to get out of the aircraft. Thank GOD it didn't burn !!!

   I have a Rotax 912UL on my Kitfox and I am working on it all the time. In fact I am thinking about replacing the Dzus fasteners with Velcro so I can get the cowling off quicker. Lately I have had to replace the "p" leads because of bad mag checks and one of them grounding. I put in new leads,tested them and the engine ran great .Next time the engine dies on the right mag. I am next going to replace the start switch (the modules are ok  as the problem goes with the wires when I switch them) then it's the deiseling,then carbs and on and on. Then my battery relay started chattering so I will replace that. My engine only has 175 hrs. I went to Lockwoods school so I have a little knowledge of the engine (not a great one mind you)and feel comfortable working on it.

   I like the way this engine runs as it is very smooth but,for how long? I have 20 hours on the engine since I bought the aircraft and don't trust it to fly to my cabin in the mountains of NC-yet. Would a Jabiru be any better? Good question. How about a Cont or Lyc. Too heavy and they can  break too(much simpler though and easy to work on)

   Bottom line,I guess is to expect a possible failure of any engine at any time and have a field in sight as Lynn did. Superb job Lynn ! Glad you were not over the lake!

  

                                                      Dick Maddux

                                                      Fox 4-1200

                                                      Rotax 912UL

                                                      Pensacola,Fl



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FlyboyTR

Joined: 04 Nov 2006
Posts: 215
Location: Mobile, Alabama

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:01 am Post subject: Re: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Lynn..........welcome to the club!    



Glad you made it down safely and neither you are the plane were injured.



If you fly long enough...it's not a matter of if...it's a matter of when!  ...Sort of like being in church...  Have you prepared...are you ready?  That instant silence is one of the loudest sounds you will ever hear!



Take Care!



Travis

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Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:15 am Post subject: Kitfox survives emergency landing...my 1st

Lake? What lake....I don't see any steenking lakes! And now I won't  

get within 40 miles of a lake. : )



Ok, enough chatter, I'm off to get some parts, tools, materials and  

get to work tearing it down further.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster

Jabiru 2200

Status: flying...oops...holding short at 561.8 hrs

do not archive





On Aug 5, 2008, at 8:54 AM, Catz631(at)aol.com wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		    Superb job Lynn ! Glad you were not over the lake!



                                                      Dick Maddux

                                                      Fox 4-1200

                                                      Rotax 912UL

                                                      Pensacola,Fl



 Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read  

 reviews on AOL Autos.

 www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List _- 

 www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

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Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

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