Deadstick Downs Dixie Wing Dauntless In Deland | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-02.10.25

Airborne-NextGen-02.11.25

Airborne-Unlimited-02.12.25

Airborne-AffordableFlyers-02.13.25

Airborne-Unlimited-02.07.25

Thu, Nov 18, 2004

Deadstick Downs Dixie Wing Dauntless In Deland

How'd Ya Like to Deadstick An SBD?

ANN Reader Dave Hirshman (and all-around cool guy) sent us an interesting note and some details on a recent deadstick landing that turned out fairly well... all things considered. Here's his story...


 
"I'd like to let you know we had a shorter-than-planned flight in your area on Sunday afternoon -- and I didn't want you to hear about it second hand.

I was returning to Atlanta in the CAF's SBD Dauntless on Sunday with Charles Burcher after a wonderful weekend at the Deland Naval Air Station Museum. As we were climbing through 9,000 feet on the ferry flight home, the engine started running rough and losing power.

Jacksonville air traffic controllers did an excellent job of directing us back toward Deland where we planned a straight-in approach to runway 5. But the engine quit completely about four miles north of the field so we glided to Bob Lee Airport instead. It's a private grass strip that happened to be right beside us when we needed it.

There was no damage to the airframe. But it appears we'll be needing a new engine. Ours seized completely and will probably have to be replaced. If you come across anyone with a Wright 1820-97 they'd like to sell or donate, please put them in touch with me.

The CAF's Dixie Wing in Peachtree City, Ga., is planning a rescue party to retrieve the plane -- one of just three flying SBDs in the world. Thanks to Charles Burcher for being so graceful under pressure, the controllers handling Daytona Approach on Sunday for their cool professionalism, the folks at Deland Naval Air Station Museum for being terrific hosts, and Bob Lee and his family for their kindness after we dropped in unannounced.

The CAF's 'Dixie Wing' in Peachtree City, Ga., is arranging a rescue party to retrieve our treasured plane. With lots of hard work and a little luck, our SBD will be back in top condition very soon!"

ANN NOTE: Kudos for an excellent job of flying and the folks who helped this process along. If any of our readers can help these fine folks out, please contact the CAF's Dixie Wing at Dixie Wing, CAF, 1200 Echo Ct., Peachtree City, GA 30269. The Dixie Wing's Main Phone is (678) 364-1110. Their office hours are M/W 9:00-3:30 and T/Th, Sat 8:00-4:00. They're closed for major holidays.

FMI: www.dixiewing.org

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (02.11.25): Handoff

Handoff An action taken to transfer the radar identification of an aircraft from one controller to another if the aircraft will enter the receiving controller's airspace and radio >[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (02.11.25)

Aero Linx: P-47 Thunderbolt Pilot's Association The P47Pilots.com website is dedicated to preserving the memories of the men and women who flew the P-47 Thunderbolt "Jug" in World >[...]

ANN FAQ: Q&A 101

A Few Questions AND Answers To Help You Get MORE Out of ANN! 1) I forgot my password. How do I find it? 1) Easy... click here and give us your e-mail address--we'll send it to you >[...]

NTSB Final Report: SlipStream International Genesis

Airplane Veered Left Of The Runway And Struck Trees Before It Came To Rest In A Grass Area Analysis: The student pilot was conducting a solo flight when he was unable to keep the a>[...]

Airborne 02.05.25: No Outs 4 ATC, Sporty's Acquires, 'Black' Boxes

Also: NOTAM System Restored, Textron Mil Trainers, Axiom Space, Police Rescues Cirrus Pax The Trump administration’s attempt at downsizing the federal workforce has run into >[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC