Giant Scale Accident (interview with Casey Rowe)

[WreckRman2]

Following is an interview with the guy that was recently hit by a giant scale plane - and survived. Certainly an eye-opener!

Let's be careful out there!

Chuck

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An interview with CASEY ROWE
A real eye opener to modeling safety

By Jeff Cottrell Waynetown IN

We have all heard about the recent accident that involved Casey Rowe. There have been postings all over the internet about "what happened" and what many think will come from the event. Stories of the event have been told, some not all factual and some completely wrong.
Source: RC Hangout http://www.rchangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6857

I went to the D.O.G.S. (Dayton Ohio Giant Scale) show this last weekend (September 3-5, 2004) and ran into Casey. Since the beginning of all the rumors, I have had the need to hear and spread the true story. I asked Casey if he would be willing to do an interview so we could not only get the truth out there, but also to make people aware of safety issues. I think Casey was almost waiting for the opportunity as it was apparent that he had the need to tell the real story. I could sense a little anger in his voice (understandably so) as he told me he wasn't happy about some of the stories that were spread with little or no factual content.

Casey has graciously given me the time to ask him a few questions and help set the story straight. I think we ALL need to listen to the words from his experience and reconsider our personal safety methods.



JC

What REALLY happened?

CR

We were at a picnic at our friend's home. He has over 85 acres of flying space and we have flown there hundreds of times. The plane in question that hit me was a 40% Miles Reed Design Pitts Special with a 3-W 120 with a carbon fiber prop. This plane has been flown 10 or 12 times prior to the accident.

Bryan was flying the 2nd or 3rd flight of the day, and he had been in the air for about 7 minutes or so. I heard Bryan call out, "I don't have the plane!" Over and over he yelled. Naturally, I thought the plane would go down fast into the lake that he was over, but it didn't. I was standing near my tent, probably around 150 feet away from where Bryan was flying. Everyone thought it was down in the water. The plane then went into a left hand knife edge, kept flying and did another left hand turn over a pole barn. At this time, I saw the plane heading towards a large tree line (TO CRASH), but it didn't. Instead it made another left hand turn, and then another. This put it on a direct path to my chest area. I had a split second to leap forward. It was still in a knife edge turn. The prop hit me in my lower back, almost reaching the kidney and spinal areas. It then worked it's way all the way down my right leg, where it almost severed it off.

We figured the plane was traveling around 60 to 70 MPH when it struck me. It hit me so hard it knocked me out of my shoes! All the guys were there for help. Bryan stopped the bleeding from by back area, while Nick Yuhasz applied a tourniquet above my knee to stop the bleeding from my leg. I was then put on the helicopter to be transferred to Cleveland Metro Hospital.

The best Surgeons were on hand to re-attach my leg with lots of pins. The doctors said that I have a good chance for a good recovery. I spent 3 weeks there. Now I am home, trying to get my strength and some weight back. I have lost over 25lbs, so far...

JC

What safety devices did the aircraft have on board?

CR

Jeff, there were no safety devices on board, just brand new equipment, everything was new. JR FM receiver, switches, extensions and new batteries. Top grade stuff, all digital servos. This plane was a great flyer...

JC

Were all possible safety measures taken prior to the flight that caused the accident? Were the safety devices used?

CR

YES, preflight test was conducted, range check, battery, connections, ETC...



JC

Obviously, this was a very freakish accident. Much of the equipment that we are using on these model airplanes is good quality stuff, but no matter what there will always exist the chance of similar accidents. What can we do to reduce the chances of such accidents? What sort of devices can (should) we install in our aircraft to prevent such accidents?

CR

To reduce the chances of this type of accident ever happening again, we as modelers and hobbyists, should never take these planes, even the smaller ones, for granted. These planes can be deadly weapons, and should be treated as such. I have spoken to some AMA and IMAA officials and they agree that a fail safe method, to shut the engine off, is going to be mandatory soon. Any large scale plane, 80" and above wingspan, will have a fail safe system on board. I also talked with Mike McConville from Horizon Hobbies. He told me that they are releasing a cut off, for all planes, for a small amount of money. This devise means that everyone won't have to buy a PCM type receiver. This is going to be great for the Hobby. I am excited about this. Remember, we want the motor To STOP and the plane fall to the ground rather than lock in at wide open throttle, like what happened to me......

JC

When you and I spoke in Dayton, you mentioned that you would like to see people stop using CARBON or other composite propellers when not used for competition. Could you explain to us how you feel this will help in the prevention of serious injury?

CR

Yes, I would like to see more modelers using wood props instead of carbon fiber. Just for the fact that, if I had got hit with a wooden prop, I think it would have broken up when it struck my back area and would not have cut thru my leg, like a chain saw. Carbon Fiber props should be used for competition purposes. Don't get the wrong idea, they do give a little extra pull and holding power, but will you really miss it at your local flying field??? I don't think so. Remember, this is my opinion only.... Just give it some serious consideration.

JC

So many people fly these models without using all of the features that are provided with the radio systems i.e. fail safe.... Having been through this unfortunate accident, what would you like to say to everyone about safety and our hobby?

CR

I would like to say to everyone that flies radio controlled aircraft...

Please, don't take this hobby for granted...(ever)...Fail Safe is great for every model, 40 size and up. These planes will kill, let's remember this. When you see the fail safe systems in the magazines, please install one in your plane as soon as possible. It might save a Life. It could be some one you know. I think I was granted another chance (from GOD) to be a part of passing on to others what I feel about safety in our hobby. I am getting stronger every day, looking forward to next years flying season, and seeing some of you at some flying events......

Thanks Jeff, for everything. Lets all promote SAFETY, every day......Your Pal, Casey Rowe.....

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My thoughts after having this interview with Casey.

One of the things that we all need to set straight right now is this... The safety devices that we SHOULD be using are not there to save the plane. These devices are there to SAVE OURSELVES. Do not set your fail safe up to keep the plane in the air until you can regain control, but rather set it up to keep fellow pilots and spectators safe. I know for a fact that many of us invest a small fortune in these planes and we have the desire to protect our investments. First and foremost we need to protect one another.

I only spoke to Casey for a short time. While I was sitting there speaking to him, his FRIEND Bryan was right there. I think many of us might have had some hostility toward the person who owned the plane if we were in Casey's shoes. The fact of the matter is, Casey understands that it was an accident and that Bryan was not at fault. These guys are the

best of friends. Bryan was right there for Casey in the worst of times. Thankfully, Casey is still here to tell the story and to raise the level of awareness. While many of us may never have had the desire to return to the airfield, Casey was right there in the middle of the action this weekend at the D.O.G.S. show. Unable to walk, the event staff picked him up in a John Deere GATOR, took him to the flight line and had him out there flying with some fellow pilots.

Casey mentioned to me that the accident has made him weak and he needs time to regain some strength...

CASEY, all I can say is that for you to be there near all of those airplanes this weekend took more strength than what many of us have. Wishing a speedy recovery for you and a safe flying season next year!