What Would Have Done?

[JimG]

I was taught from day one that the plane is disposable. Obvisously, being able to use it again would be a nice thing, but it shouldn't be part of the thought process when working through an inflight emergancy.

I remind myself all the time that my airplane only costs me $1000.

On that note though, my dad put my 172 down on a divided highway NE of Phoenix 20+ years ago when a pushrod tube seal let loose blowing all the oil out of it.

He flew it long enough (before it threw a rod) to determine that the highway was his best option.

Dropped it right down in-between two cars that were traveling the same speed as his approach speed.

Gutsy...but the airplane, he and my mother fared well.

The next day, a couple of kids who were supposed to tow it out of there decided to fly it to Falcon Field instead, and blew a hole in the side of the engine.

I got a new engine out of it.

 

[J.C.Airborne]

"i dont think anyone can comment without knowing exactly what the terrain was around the freeway...generally though freeways are much better that fields...the cars will get out of your way and if they dont, your 4 seater airplane isnt going to do much damage, more than likely a collision would be survivable." Originally posted by J.C Airborne

For the people in the car, probably not for the people in the airplane. A four seater airplane in a highway crash with suv's and cars and eighteen wheelers offers about as much protection for it's passengers as a lawn chair.

Unless the highway is deserted I would head for the field.

Most cars will be able to stop or get out of the way for you. unless its during rush hour i would put it down on the highway.

 

[Fury220]

My answer is simple at night without motors:

"BAILOUT BAILOUT BAILOUT"


But yeah, given a GA airplane, if the highway is deserted, land there! The airplane doesn't know that the painted lines mean different things...concrete is concrete...

Of course, if forced to land in a field at night, turn the landing light on. If you don't like what you see, turn it off.