Airplane axle BREAKS on landing at Sun-n-Fun

Sun-n-Fun is one of the 2nd largest annual airshow in the world located in Lakeland, Florida. We were participating in the STOL Demo organized by National STOL Series when we had the axle failure. This video shows how we dealt with a very disappointing situation. Thanks for supporting us!
Special thanks to Sensenich Propellers.
For more information on purchasing the Highlander or SuperSTOL please visit www.WildWestAircraft.com
Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/stevehenry

[@owenj43]

Glad that you’re okay, and that the aircraft made a speedy recovery as well! Keep up the good work Steve! You’re a true inspiration to a teen like me who wants to get into STOL flying! 🤙

[@SteveHenry]

We are all so glad it worked out too! Thank you! -Sara

[@tannergill7514]

That take off at 23 seconds is insane.

[@terrallputnam7979]

Great to hear that Steve wasn't hurt. Seeing the strain he puts on his plane, I am not surprised he broke the axle

[@TheJustinJ]

You'd be surprised what they are designed for. Minimum 3g in certified airplanes. Experimental another story. Fatigue is real when you perform thousands of takeoff and landing cycles.

[@R1Kyle]

Crazy to think they turned over a prop to you in that amount of time. Love seeing your daughter there for you with all this too.

[@aeroleds5637]

This was so fun to watch! (minus the axle mishap) Quizzing Sara on aviation facts needs to be a regular blooper reel. LOL!!! 🤣

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks for watching! 😁😂 -Sara

[@aviator]

This was heartbreaking to commentate... Followed by joyful at how quickly you got her flying again! Our aviation community is sensational.

[@SteveHenry]

Your commentary on the whole event was so good! Thank you. ☺️

[@aviator]

@@SteveHenry Why thank you! I had a blast doing it. Thanks for the little cameo of our team near the end as well. And Sara, the Simpsons clouds comment ruled.

[@ssn608]

I wonder how much of that speed is because it's "experimental"....

[@mikeryan6277]

@@ssn608 not to mention that everything he needed was right there, prop shop only a few miles away, but I don’t think they would have made me that prop overnight lol

[@AN2Felllla]

I guess it is really convenient that it broke at one of the biggest airshows in the US. Everybody you need to get your plane back flying is right around the corner!

[@revenevan11]

True!

[@jamesordwayultralightpilot]

I can't imagine the overall cost of keeping the "Fun" in Sun n Fun

[@alexdarcydestsimon3767]

It's like having a heart attack in the cardiologist office.

[@ginacalabrese3869]

Sara, your editing and storytelling abilities have come so far. This was an exciting video to watch. I'm glad Steve was uninjured and the plane had only minor damage. I hope that propeller performs as good as it looks.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you so much! It’s really a team effort putting these videos out. Josh and my Dad both have a lot of good ideas that make it easier. Thanks for watching! -Sara

[@KasualKaos]

Glad you're OK and the plane didn't have too much damage. This is one of the things that makes the experimental category so great. Not so much red tape and hoops to jump through. Awesome job Sensenich getting that turned around so fast! The aviation community is great. Everyone helps each other, no questions asked.

[@SteveHenry]

We were thankful to be cleared by the FAA to fly after we all put so much work into it. Thank you! Yes, great community. -Sara

[@davelangenfeld5062]

I love the looks of the plane with the cowl on it, looks sharp. Obviously I understand why he flies it off. That new prop and hub look and sound mean!! Very cool!!! Yet again it just amazes me how the GA community comes together to help each other, not just Steve Henry bad ass race plane but in general. I love hearing these stories of pilots helping other pilots out theyve never even met before.

[@SteveHenry]

Great comment. Thank you! -Sara

[@adventure002006]

Clear prop as Jimmy would say. Beauty of a plane, amazing how short landing and takeoff is, literally floating on air.

[@WolfPilot]

How awesome! I am glad your crash was so smooth and gentle! You should have gotten 100pts just for that! Count me as a new subscriber! Sensenich for the win! That is what I *love* about this community!

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

Glad to see sensenich came to the rescue quickly. Love their products.

[@SteveHenry]

They were great to work with! It was so amazing they made that hub for us overnight. -Sara

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

@@SteveHenry They are great, I hit a bird one time on a Friday afternoon about 4 o’clock and cracked one and a guy came from over two hours away on his own time to bring me one and put it on. By the way your editing skills are getting pretty dad gum good thumbs up. Y’all hurry up my ice cream is getting wet🤣

[@moviemanjlk0177]

The best part about this video is you didn't get hurt and you persevered to fix the plane in such short notice!! Great job and great video 👏👏, I love that take off 👍!!

[@alexdarcydestsimon3767]

Love the take off too

[@Mrsournotes]

Congrats Steve, and your crew. Glad you’re ok and pretty cool to see the airplane repaired so quickly. Never, ever get tired of watching you and your beast do its thing.👍🏽

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! Thanks for watching! -Sara

[@jamesharkness1058]

Steve: you continue to amaze me! You have really pushed STOL to a new level. Great job getting everything back together. You are a fierce competitor. I know you work hard at this, and it shows. Well done.....and.....”You don’t need no stinking runway!”

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@electronicsandewastescrapp7384]

I love how it needs almost no runway and just pops right up into the air. Coolest design I've seen.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! It’s amazing to watch every time. Never gets old! -Sara

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Imagine what you could do on 10 acres in the country

[@buryurfear14]

I was so happy to hear you had gotten the plane back together after watching the crash. A lot of fun to watch! Thanks for the show!

[@stevealaska73]

Dad and I are still talking about you Mr. Henry. Amazing skills you have. Glad this unfortunate event wasn't worse. I think you should create a uniform to wear when you compete. A uniform designed unique to your awesome airplane! Continued safe flights sir.

[@SteveHenry]

You’re probably right about the uniform idea, it would definitely seem more professional, and safer. I do have an ugly Nomex suit that I wear when doing Stoldrag.

[@TheJatojr]

Way to go Steve, You always seem to be having so much fun! Keep it up.

[@jonnydwolf]

Nice having all those resources right there at your fingertips. Glad your ok and you got your plane back up and going, not to mention best STOL score at sun n fun! ⭐️

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! Yes we were fortunate this happened here and not in the backcountry! We are working on solutions to make a stronger axel. Thanks for the comment! -Sara

[@PARTner91]

Well made video, Sara. Awesome to see how it all came out well. Love the look of that Sensenich hub.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! It was a tough one to make. Thanks for the comment! -Sara ☺️

[@KeithShowalter445K]

I'm glad everything worked out. Nice job Steve and crew. Sara the videos are fantastic!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! I really appreciate the nice comment -Sara

[@Jw_ProductionsFl]

So awesome to finally get to see you fly in person! You’re incredible🐐🐐

[@nbt3663]

Steve glad you were able to get things fixed up. Not sure how you got into my feed today but glad you did.

[@piedpiper8355]

You picked the perfect spot for a breakdown and speedy repair!

[@Richie_RHD]

i dont know why this video showed up on my recommended, but im subbing and watching your content as we share the same last name. and that to me is rad. Glad you were able to get this back up and going, and most of all, that you are okay.

[@EricHaskins71]

Man I love watching you fly .... I wasnt home for sun n fun this year but what a great video!!!!!

[@lucaas]

Glad everyone is OK and that she's back in the air! Would you be okay with me featuring this in my series Weekly Dose of Aviation? Of course you will be credited both in the video and in the description.

[@AzTrailRider57]

Awesome Steve. Sorry 'bout the axle breaking but very glad you were able to get it fixed and found a prop. Good Job.

[@ooglek]

You go Judson Graham, cross-channel master! Nice Rain Save!

[@CJE2007.5]

This is definitely on my bucket list. I'm really glad that I found your channel. My son wants to become a pilot and even though I love everything about aviation I am extremely terrified of heights. But I am going to do everything I can to help my son fulfill his dreams. He has been watching your videos for the past few days and loves it. Thank you for the awesome content.

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks for watching! That’s great your son wants to be a pilot. 😁 -Sara

[@StraightandLevelCFI]

Awesome Video! great editing Sarah. I still cant believe how beautiful that prop hub came out.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@tomcoryell]

The good thing about low and slow is that this was slow. Glad you and the plane are okay! Excellent video Sara!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@jorbedo]

Wow, you gotta love how friends can give you a hand! Congrats!!!

[@walter2990]

Saw the commotion over at the Paradise City grass strip right after it happened, and I was so glad that no one was injured! The aviation community is rather small, but we're a very tight one, especially when one of us is in need! Fly safe!

[@TomMaverick06]

I had just left to check in to my Airbnb when the incident occurred. Was glad to know you were safe. Planes can be fixed and when the "community" comes together even faster than one would think. The winds were wicked. See you next year if not sooner! Congrats!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@The762nato]

Thank you for the great video and the excitement !

[@LeviNoguess]

Wow Sara, Best video yet... You Josh and Steve really show how a little adversity ain't no big deal for y'all! Awesome!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you Levi!! -Sara

[@mikercflyer7383]

Great flying and an amazing quick repair with the machine shop available for such occasions. Great team work.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@AMoose454]

Awesome work and congrats!

[@crammydavisjr5813]

Great group to pull this off… glad you’re ok!

[@blancolirio]

Great video Sara! Steve-Competition improves the breed!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you Juan! 😁 -Sara

[@waveman2952]

Great Recovery Steve! Love that engine!

[@rizzywizzy]

All is well, if end is well. Glad that everything worked out great. I love the story telling and editing of this video. You guys make a great team. Riz from Boise 😀

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@shanekennethjamesaustin3949]

What a great ground crew! While Steve Henry is drawing breath he will be unbeatable in the STOL competition. They will have to invent a whole new class to create some rivals or introduce a handicap competition. More power to you Mr. Henry!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@johnswofford908]

Great video, Thank You for sharing your story with us.

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks for watching! Also thank you for the nice comment 😊 -Sara

[@endokrin7897]

I haven't watched the video; just the short auto-play preview at the beginning (when previewing videos, KZbin auto-plays a short section) I noticed how fast you reached the grab-bars as soon as you came down and started the 'crash'. Without actually watching your video: Great job. Amazing reaction time. You obviously train, plan and mentally review emergency procedures. 👍🫡

[@MusicMom123]

What a story. Excellllllllent Teamwork and Congrats on the success in the end ! Seems to me you STOL a super score after all. 🥳🎉 Seriously, great job to you and your fun Team. I'm glad you recovered so well and got back in the Air. Attitude is everything ! ✈️✈️✈️☮️ Happy Skies ! See you at OSH !

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you for the nice comment! See you at OSH! -Sara

[@General-Grant]

Nice job! Congratulations on another win, happy your dad is okay.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! I’m so happy too. The cockpit view is hard for me to watch even though he was ok. -Sara

[@carveroutdoors]

Yall are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing this!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! 😁thanks for watching! -Sara

[@Quackattack84]

I was watching when this happened and was disappointed because i thought you would be out for the rest of sun n fun. Great job and gettin it back in the air so quickly. Loved the show!!!

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks for watching! -Sara

[@westxranchin]

Why bush planes are my favorite. The low speed cuts down on damage during crash takeoffs and landings.

[@stephenbeard9882]

Glad you’re okay, Steve! 👍

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@farkliaci9562]

I am very sad. 😧 Everybody good that’s great. Thank you for video.

[@clintgosch2306]

Great to see the aviation community pitch in and get you guys back in the air! These STOL events certainly draw a crowd and promote general aviation in a positive way. Also, your videos and story telling are fantastic, keep up the great work!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@mustanggun]

Nice flying and save Steve.

[@aero_nwa]

The same thing happened to my grandfather at Oshkosh 2019 on the UL runway in his Fisher Dakota Hawk

[@mikemichaels1875]

That company that made your prop was awesome. Stayed up all night!!

[@ThePikeywayne]

Great to see a happy ending and others wrote, fortunately it happened in such soft conditions ✌️

[@fR_eN]

Your the man Steve!! glad your ok

[@danmcburney3247]

Oh my gosh, my heart went straight into my throat watching !! SOOO happy the damage was fairly minimal. VERY sorry you had the extra expense on this trip !! You guy's are such Awesome people !! Now what do think of this new prop ? 😁

[@SteveHenry]

It’s still hard for me to watch! Thank you! 😁 We will probably be putting prop reactions on our Patreon since I don’t have enough content about it to make a polished KZbin video. Thanks again! -Sara

[@sicks6six]

got to give Sensenich Propellers 10/10. . . that is going that extra mile for the customer,

[@heartsky]

Great video Sara!

[@charlieglenn8081]

Unbelievable! Y’all are amazing!!!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@BraapZ]

❤️🔥👍😎How many times can you say it.... Every time. 😉 The Henry’s are a class act! 1st class! 🔥❤️👍😎 😎🔥👍SENSENICH Props! steps up and more than delivers. “Why?.. Because the Henry’s integrity! Secondly they are also a class act with a passion for Aviation!👍😎 🤣😂Sharpie saga continues...😂🤣👍😎 Congrats Steve on an epic performance. Thank you Sara, Josh and the rest of the crew. Warren G’s plane is hands down one of the most beautiful bush planes! ❤️

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@smicksmookety]

That turnaround from what I figured was a pack it up and take it home plane was incredible.

[@alrivas1477]

That is without doubt the most beautiful prop/hub I’ve ever seen.

[@jeremykemp3782]

So much fun to watch, thanks. 🤙

[@SteveHenry]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! -Sara

[@markdam]

Seems like that new prop was pulling harder and my correct? What a sweet deal I'm glad nothing got hurt especially you.

[@jamesordwayultralightpilot]

That 46 is a real special number. It's always cool to spot a Rossi Fan.

[@SteveHenry]

Yes! That’s Warren G. He’s awesome

[@Rundumsfliegen]

Holy crap that engine sounds aggressive, almost like it could pull the plane up vertically XD

[@the-not-bigkuhrbowsky4869]

8:06 the one time the gubbmint was around in a timely , positive manner lolz

[@doranjaffas7351]

With my little Tailwind I can't even imagine the power and the fun that that is producing.

[@jeffwhiteley3625]

Wow Sarah. Excellent edit. Love it. See you at Mayday.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you Jeff! See you there 😁 -Sara

[@coryjohnson1814]

Thank you for the high insurance premiums ❤️

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Ok, so what happened sucked!! But.. that was pretty cool that Sensenich came through like that and built a prop that can take the power of the Epex. Great job to your whole team for getting the plane back in the air to compete! And as much as that had to suck, I'm glad it didn't happen out in the sticks...

[@desertfox3860]

Another fun video! Thanks!

[@SteveHenry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@meals24u]

Loved this video ❤

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!!

[@deanmiles3505]

Hi Steve and Sara, I'm glad you didn't get hurt...and the plane had minimal damage. It really looked pretty gentle considering. The bad would probably be the cost of the new custom prop ouch! Take care, Be safe.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@bartgoins1782]

Team Henry does it again! Congrats everyone.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Thanks for the share Steve. Grateful for this opportunity to learn, makes life easier here. So sad about the cost involved. Might be interesting to have a look see at the right side weld because quite frankly I've seen smaller lighter gear on highway vehicles. Did it fail in torsion or in shear and was it the weld? The engine really came to an abrupt sudden stop. The gearbox gears, crankshaft, and internal engine hard parts will be interesting to look at. Just wonder how the shock load transfered.

[@SteveHenry]

We are looking into a solid axel to prevent this again. We checked the prop shaft and gearbox with the FAA and it’s all very straight. The propellers break easily and don’t transfer a lot of energy to the engine. Thank you. -Sara

[@patway4683]

Awesome job you guys!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! 😁 -Sara

[@EvilTwinTT]

Kudos to Sensenich, geeeze people can be awesome!

[@SteveHenry]

Yes! So awesome of them to help us! -Sara

[@NovejSpeed3]

That intro alone earned my like!

[@jimcripps3612]

This event just goes to show how having friends, help and contacts can remedy a bad situation PDQ. Stay safe. Regards, Jim in NI UK

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@marcericdavis]

#Sensenich Thanks for helping Steve out!

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks for the comment! They really did help us out a ton. -Sara

[@burtthebeast4239]

Awesome video 💯

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! -Sara

[@4Nanook]

That is one impressive take off!

[@mikeryan6277]

Mad skills getting the repair done that fast.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you

[@kevinsellsit5584]

Exciting start, seamless axle repair, unfortunate expensive prop ... that clearly works very well and can be filed under "necessary safety improvements". A win. (#1 is always good) Well done!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! Thanks for watching! -Sara

[@jstjohn11]

Glad your OK man!

[@SteveHenry]

We are too! Thank you! -Sara

[@agreear6]

Exit interview on point!

[@SteveHenry]

I had no idea what Josh was doing. He just said “stand over there.” 😂 -Sara

[@dedwin8930]

Nice people to get a new prop and hub made over nite!!

[@kevinphillips9408]

Great video. Thank you.

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks for watching! -Sara

[@harrisonaero]

Fun edit Steve :)

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! 😁 -Sara

[@ihymns]

Amazing!

[@aero_nwa]

My grandfather had the same exact thing happen on the ultralight runway at Oshkosh in 2018

[@brianmason3941]

HaHa. Steve always gets the best score. Hey Maule; Hey Airframes AK; Hey SQ… take note! Yammi HA HA Power!

[@lukenichols3233]

The tree of knowledge!

[@the.original.throwback]

Thrills and spills kinda go together, sometimes. The tire that broke off did a hero's work by diving under and cushioning the crash. Props to the prop guy who came through for you. Jess

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you for the comment! It does look like the tire sorta braced the airplane. Yay for SENSENICH!! -Sara