Another Day, Another Downtube - Hang Gliding Org - Worlds largest Hang Gliding community, discover Hang Gliding

Radwhacker · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:37 pm Post subject: Another Day, Another Downtube

So, there I am, coming in to land on the dry lake bed after another tow aloft. There was absolutely zero lift today, (as opposed to yesterday), so I had played around doing wingovers and I decided to set up an approach that would put me landing right next to my truck - thereby impressing the s*** out of the locals.

I came out of my final turn, hucked my drogue chute, pulled in and aimed for the spot. As I got near to my truck I started my flare, and thereupon realized that I was coming in slightly cross wind.

What happens when you are coming in slow in a crosswind? Right, you drift downwind. Problem was, my truck was occupying a spot directly downwind of my intended LZ.

My right wing tip oh so lightly grazed the side of my truck. This put my glider into a nice turn and stalled the wing at the same time, resulting in a resounding "Whack" and one more $145.00 piece of aluminum.

What was that about pride going before a fall?

They don't call me Radwhacker for nothing.

designbydave · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:41 pm Post subject: Re: Another Day, Another Downtube

TnFlyer · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 82 Location: Chattanooga TN

Did you hurt anything else besides the downtube and your pride? What about the truck.?

Kinda of reminds me of the aliens looking down the ladder at their comrade lying face down at the bottom of the steps with all the locals standing in awe after the saucer had just landed , the caption read

So much for an awe inspiring entrance.

Too bad you couldn't have pulled it off.

Radwhacker · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:48 pm Post subject:

wilburleft · 3 thumbs up Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 785 Location: FL

Impressing the locals is always worth the risk. But in case you whack, you should always be prepared to distrubute drugs and/or alcohol to make up for your failure and save face.

DocSoc · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject:

You had me at "impressing!"

Smile

knumbknuts · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:45 pm Post subject:

Lobido · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

Fear and Landing In Las Vegas, by Radwhacker

Tom Benton · Guest

Hey Radwaker ....How come we never seen a picture of your wing?

Sure would be nice popcorn

FormerFF · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:16 pm Post subject:

spekkinout · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:22 pm Post subject:

I get this image of a wide open, flat, dry lake bed, not a thing on it for miles and miles, except for one lone truck....and you bonking it!

Is it ok to laugh (only because I've been in a similar circumstance)? cuz I can't help it... Laughing

sorry man!

oh, in case you weren't dutifully served as is required in these situations:
WHAAACCCKKKK!!!

Sounds like one rad whack as is befitting of your moniker!