Pete Fleischmann Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 (edited) Hello all, On 20 October I took off on a beautiful day in the L-39 for a typical aerobatic training sortie in the L-39C. Just after liftoff, the tower controller informed me "Hey Pete, you just lost a wheel". I said, "can you be more specific"? Rob, the tower controller replied "it was one of your main wheels". "OK" I said "That's a problem". I left the gear and flaps down and circled back around to the north so the tower could take another look. Turned out my entire right main wheel assembly was missing. The gear strut was there..just no wheel. I declared an emergency and climbed to 2500'AGL, and proceeded to Charles Island; about 4nm from the approach end of the runway: a recognizable landmark for other pilots, and set up an orbit. I reviewed a few emergency checklists, and quickly decided that landing with the gear down with only one main wheel would likely end up in the jet departing the runway, the bare gear strut digging into the grass..and a cartwheel, fireball, and two fatalities. Coming in gear up was the only option. certainly the safest option. I informed the tower about my decision, and they gave the ARFF folks the time to pre-position for my arrival. I flew a gear up, full flap approach at 120 kts, touching down about 1000 ft down the runway. I gently set the nose down.. Immediately on touchdown I shut the engine off. The jet went straight down the runway, sliding only about 1500 ft. No fire, but lots of smoke and sparks. The student and I egressed as the ARFF guys shot the jet with foam. It wad an interesting Saturday. Cheers Pete Edited October 20, 2021 by Pete Fleischmann speling Lud13, Trak-Tor, geedubelyer and 8 others 7 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Fleischmann Posted November 7, 2018 Author Share Posted November 7, 2018 3 minutes ago, Jennings Heilig said: Holy bat feces!! Great job on the landing man!! Okay, so since you’ve got that improbable happenstance out of your system, can I schedule a ride with you? J Anytime! Just let me fix the old girl Cheers Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacewolf Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Well done ! Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Fleischmann Posted November 7, 2018 Author Share Posted November 7, 2018 26 minutes ago, Jennings Heilig said: Where are you based Pete? I’ve wanted to get an L-39 ride forever. KBDR. Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford Ct Cheers Pete Out2gtcha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael931080 Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Glad you and the student are okay Pete but sorry the plane got scratched up like this! Goes to show all your training has paid off and your nerves of steel prevailed. How soon do you think you will have the plane flying again? Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff T Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Jeez Pete, glad it all worked out well in the end! Hope there's not too much damage done. Cheer's, Jeff. Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geedubelyer Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Crikey! You're probably taking this whole "teaching the student how to deal with emergencies" thing a bit too far but hey, whatever works for ya ;) Seriously though Pete, huge kudos for keeping your cool and getting you both down safely. Glad you're ok. Looks like the damage will buff right out so you should be back in the air in no time. Cheers. Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerhard Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Good landing Pete!!!! Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ray Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Wow, Pete, great job!!! That must have made for an exciting day for your student, probably cost him a pair of shorts, too... I guess its just as they say, 'Any landing you can walk away from...' Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodgem37 Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Thank you, God. How is an Air Force Man flying a Navy plane? Thank you. Sincerely, Mark Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alaninaustria Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Awww Pete, I feel for you man... but hey, you did a terrific job on saving the day and keeping both you and your student safe. Excellent airmanship, outstanding decision making, and precise execution of what was needed to be done. I sincerely hope you are able to get your ship repaired and back to airworthiness. Is she salvageable? You have my sincerest sympathies and admiration mate! If you set up a Go-Fund-Me page I’m sure many of us will donate. Cheers Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Crikey Pete! Glad all OK and nobody injured - hopefully the metal can be repaired! Iain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Driver Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Seems like a good job. You mention student. What does it take to get transferred to L-39 as previous experience? Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mungo1974 Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Looked textbook in the Facebook Video. John Schuler video Pete Fleischmann and Eagle Driver 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennismcc Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Great piece of flying and good decision making, the important thing is that no one got hurt, hope the repairs aren't too extensive (or expensive) and you can get back in the air soon. Cheers Dennis Pete Fleischmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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