REFLECTOR: Missing forward hatch

[Scott Baker]

The factory demo aircraft had (for some time) the forward hatch cover hinged
on the forward side of the cover and spring latched on the rear side, with
no screws or other attachments.  It would sometimes "pop" open during pitch
buck demonstrations, especially with the gear down.  It was sure an
"attention getter" for visitors riding in the aircraft - but no problem
(other than noise) for the pilot.  It was interesting to see the rear of the
cover levitate upwards about 6" due to the low pressure passing over the
nose and perhaps too, to the high pressure buildup in the nose compartment
through the nose gear door opening.  The hatch cover is screwed down now to
make it secure.  Sometimes "fancy" designs are not the best.
Kiss Kiss.
Best regards,
Scott B.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Harbert" <c.harbert at comcast.net>
To: <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 12:33 PM
Subject: REFLECTOR: Missing forward hatch


> Yesterday, when I took off, my forward hatch exited the plane just after
> lift off.  Obviously, this caused me some concern, but it soon became
> evident that the plane flew fine with a 1 sq. ft. opening in the nose.
> Fortunately, I had sealed the cabin from the nose, so I didn't have a 100
kt
> wind blowing in. I went around and landed without a problem.
>
> I access my battery from thru this hatch and use a battery tender, so I
must
> not have secured it properly when I reinstalled the hatch. I have a spring
> loaded latch similar to a door latch that keeps it secure.  I think when I
> rotated the wind came in thru the front wheel opening (RG) and put
pressure
> on the bottom of the door which blew it open. The small chain that held it
> broke quickly, and the hatch went over the windshield and didn't hit the
> prop. I was glad that the chain broke because it would have beat up the
> front of the plane and possibly come into the windshield or prop in level
> flight.
>
> >From now on I will have screws fastening it down. I'm passing this along
so
> that you may learn from my experience.
>
> Chuck H
>
>
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