Originally Posted by
Carl Spackler
I think your assessment is probably correct. What I don't understand is why the loss of just the trim tab would cause full deflection UP on the elevator which is what would have been required to produce 9 to 10 G's? Also, he didn't GLOC instantly because he radioed a mayday after he went vertical. Since GLOC produces nearly instantaneous unconsciousness, it seems to point to something else.
Carl
There is some question about the Mayday call. Some say he made one others say no call was made. The speeds they are flying the race at are faster then the 51 was designed to fly. They are almost full nose down trim at those speeds. If the tab comes off the nose up moment is huge at those speeds. The last time it happened in Reno I believe it was a 10 g pitchup. The pilot managed to get it under control and land after the pitchup.
Go here and scroll down for a pic of the missing tab and a pic that appears to show the pilot was not awake just before impact.
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=76701&page=5