Simviation Forums

Caught wind of this on Matt Hall's facebook page:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19810636

DeHavilland Dragon went down with multiple people, all on board died.

RIP passengers, crew, and Dragon.

.

Alas, no survivors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19810636

Yes, this is the same aircraft as mentioned in Foz's thread a couple down from here. Didn't look good from the moment they reported that the aircraft had lost contact with the ground above cloud.

Yes, this is the same aircraft as mentioned in Foz's thread a couple down from here. Didn't look good from the moment they reported that the aircraft had lost contact with the ground above cloud.

So VFR flight into IFR conditions it sounds like. Very dangerous and very common mistake.

Yes, this is the same aircraft as mentioned in Foz's thread a couple down from here. Didn't look good from the moment they reported that the aircraft had lost contact with the ground above cloud.

So VFR flight into IFR conditions it sounds like. Very dangerous and very common mistake.

Two choices...

..Carry on...or turn back?... ....

I wonder how many make the same fatal mistake?

Every time I look at the clouds in the Sim V Screen-shots, I shudder!

I like nice, clear blue skies above, and I can see the ground down below..... ...!

Paul.

Yes, this is the same aircraft as mentioned in Foz's thread a couple down from here. Didn't look good from the moment they reported that the aircraft had lost contact with the ground above cloud.

So VFR flight into IFR conditions it sounds like. Very dangerous and very common mistake.

I think it may have been VMC flight with a rapid change in the weather leading to VMC flight over IMC conditions. The initial reports were that the aircraft was above a layer of cloud and unable to descend through it safely.

Looking at the limited photos of a DH84 cockpit available on the web, it would appear that it has the IFR basics (ie, an attitude indicator, turn and slip), but not much else.

Awful...  it's especially gut-wrenching considering the amazing history of him and that airplane. 

Much as I love those airplanes, I'd hate to get stuck in IMC in one, especially with period-correct instruments. I know pilots did it all the time back in the day... but a lot of Dragons were lost back then, too. Especially with the limited forecasting resources of that time.
  I have to wonder what the forecast was like that day... it seems odd that anyone would make that flight in that airplane with the slightest chance of marginal conditions. Or maybe he just felt OK with continuing on top for a while.

Well, anyway, RIP to him and the others... 

Looking at the limited photos of a DH84 cockpit available on the web, it would appear that it has the IFR basics (ie, an attitude indicator, turn and slip), but not much else.

Technically enough to see you through, if your skills are really sharp... but who knows? A little ice, in the pitot probe, in a venturi (if the gyros are venturi-driven) in a carb, or on the airframe, and it becomes a very different situation with such an airplane. It being early spring in that area, ice would be a good possibility.