Takeoff emergency with debrief and split cam, Wasabinought Reno Air Races 9.14.2018

[@Pantdino]

The lesson for me, a student pilot: If something doesn't seem right, DO NOT take off. Thanks, Elliot, for your honesty.

[@joshualandry3160]

Did something similar in a 150. On a check flight I noticed the altimeter 300 ft high on the ramp and noted it as a discrepancy. Took off with no airspeed or altitude. Really kicked myself for stupidity. Then the induction system started sucking air and almost killed the motor midfield. Called the mayday and landed. I cut off a light jet to do it. Then the motor started purring as I cleared the runway. The lesson here seems to be "that is odd" equals "don't fly today." At least I would have had airspeed and altitude with the bad engine. Experience is a rough teacher. She gives the test first. Anyway, new subscriber here. Great debrief.

[@jon6288]

I can tell how hard it was for you to work through those mistakes on the debrief, and how emotionally difficult it was for you to admit to people you respect that you could have done things better, but that's what makes you a great test pilot, too. Everyone else would have said "yeah man, everything seemed fine until i was up", and then they get to forget about the incident instead of learning from it. Lesser pilots would have turned that story into one of how they daringly muscled the plane back to 32 (or more likely into the dirt). The good pilots are the ones that immediately look at what they can do better, and what they can learn for the next time. The Sanders are lucky to have you.

[@FlyingWildAZ]

well said Jon

[@jasong911ski]

Great debrief, thanks for sharing. Good attitude about the mistakes, through the emotions that have to be swirling in your head and gut. Gutsy to do it in this public forum, props for a great edit. Good luck the rest of the week for you and the whole team.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you

[@TrentonPalmer]

Nice work keeping it together and thanks for the candor about it!!

[@FlightChops]

What's a dude gotta do to get a check mark beside their name? But in all seriousness - agreed that it is cool Elliot was willing to put this one out there. And good to see you there even if briefly - sorry we couldn't line up our schedules to make something happen this time around.

[@FlightChops]

UPDATE: After commenting, I was inspired to actually google "how to get a verified checkmark?" and found the less than obvious, but none the less fairly simple steps - and voilà - I have my check mark now too :)

[@imaginary_Kyle]

@@FlightChops I know I'm late to the party but lmao.

[@evanrobinson8546]

This is invaluable as a pilot. Every time EQ fails in flight, (even minor, like a backup radio), we go through a debrief...seeing the logic in real time at this level is killer

[@darrylbraun8520]

HUGE thumbs up for putting this online! I think it was "FlightChops" in the background asking how many "hey mans" do you want before you don't fly? I could tell by the look on your face, and I'm guessing FightChops knew too, that you didn' need to be pressed on it, you're had already absorbed the lessons and then showed them to us so we could learn too WITHOUT having to risk making them. Very decent thing to do, thank you Sir.

[@billylallen2662]

Mistakes are something we learn from...it is awesome that you record this and give others an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and hopefully they will not be going through it themselves...they will have a bit of knowledge from what you have shown them. I do not fly, but I really enjoyed watching this...thank you for sharing.

[@DCGULL01]

Gosh, I wish this could be viewed by every pilot, regardless of type, ratings, etc... That's just how fast it happens, and, how quickly you have to move to get down. I don't sense that you had any more time (a few seconds, maybe?) to get it down safely. Thank you for sharing- so glad I saw it. Will recommend it to everyone who flies!

[@robbynelson3]

Thanks for posting this! The lessons here can be applied in all aspects of life- not just aviation. At the end of the day being able to take a honest look at yourself, find areas for improvement, and then applying those tweaks will make you happy wealthy and wise!

[@jameshoiby]

This was well-edited. It gives watchers an overview of what's going on, followed by the uncut flight video that brings the whole story together. Thank you!

[@ytirucsbo]

"attention all aircraft, emergency in progress" I don't know what it's is about that, maybe the way she said it, but damn that gave me chills

[@andytaylor1588]

Same.

[@jcims]

9:18 So calm...she's been there done that.

[@kek2045]

Yea me too my heart went ↗️↘️↗️↘️↗️↘️↗️↘️↗️↘️↗️↘️ ➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️↗️↘️↗️↘️↗️↘️

[@marccostanzo2337]

WOW! Great video. Loved the debrief. It really hits home that you NEVER stop learning when you are a pilot. It is so cool that we can leverage the camera technology available to allow us to critique each flight. This gives us all the ability to become better safer pilots.

[@jfbaze2001]

Echo great debrief. Thanks for sharing. A smart man learns from his mistakes, a wiseman learns from the mistakes of others. I’m going to try to pay attention earlier when things are different.

[@TheDejakal]

What a good lesson to learn! Recognize something isn't right, ignore it, mistake it, and keep on as normal. It's dangerous and we all do it. Thank you for sharing this!

[@steve1978ger]

Exactly! I don't fly, but I sure know that pattern. Notice a problem, make assumptions instead of fixing and testing it --> sure as hell comes back to bite you.

[@LtKernelPanic]

Just saw the clip in FlightChops' video and had to come and see your video. Helluva landing given the circumstances. Nicely done!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for saying that

[@hadleymanmusic]

@@utopiasnow i was relieved but at least he was lower to go over.

[@justindyster7073]

Elliot Seguin Excellent Job! As an Aerospace Engineer and Pilot I just found your Channel and I love it. Great job on getting back on the ground safely. Good decision making process and flying the plane all the way until its stopped. Looking forward to more videos.

[@jayzenitram9621]

This is a legitimate question and not a critique of the actions you took: given that you had a plane to your left, in hindsight, would you say that a 270(ish) degree turn to the right might have been more advisable than a 180 to the left and then a 90(ish) to the right?

[@ratride1]

I’m a not a pilot but I have some hours in a sailplanes. I did go through a mayday when flying in a friends Piper Arrow years ago. Loss of power due to broken connecting rod exiting through engine case. Luckily a airfield was in glide distance. Got the same feeling watching your video as had those many years ago. Not much time in a situation like that. Glad for your safe turnout.

[@benkanobe7500]

You are one cool cucumber! Your preflight procedures are fantastic. We can all learn from you. Glad you handled it so perfectly!

[@andytaylor1588]

A great landing is when you can use the aircraft again. I was amazed at how quickly things piled up and how instantly you got her on the ground in one piece! Great flying!

[@jeremiahgazsi8579]

You have a great attitude, about using video for debriefing and helping out other pilots (like myself). Keep up the great work on this channel!

[@jimbeaux89]

Thank you for all of your many lessons Mr. Seguin. Pray the lord keeps you with steady wings

[@jamesharkness1058]

Thanks for the brutal honesty. I appreciate the transparency and you sharing this! Makes us all think what we would do in that situation, and makes us all better. Great job getting down safely! I'm really enjoying ALL you videos. Incredible channel!

[@Gmoney_72]

Great video! Amazing skill! She was talking to you,the look on your face tells it all. Thank you, we are all better when you share these events. AIR PLANES ARE COOL

[@BigWheelHawaii]

One of The Best "Lines" in Aviation Ever Uttered By The Late Great "Bob Love",,, "The Guy Made Every Mistake In The Book,,,, and Lived To Tell About It".... Courageous Young Man,,, Coming Clean,,, To Help Mankind,,, Remember,,,, "The Life You Save Might Be Mine",,,, Elliot Is a Very Talented and Knowledgeable Young Man,,,

[@MichaelLloyd]

Thanks for debriefing this. I'll tell you what I noticed more than anything, the way you handled the flight controls never changed. You kept a light, precise touch on them even when things were a bit hairy. To me that says that you were in control of you and the aircraft. I think that's a great message for us low time pilots. "Airplanes are cool"... yes they are lol

[@rollingreene1220]

Very insightful - Your safety protocols really take center stage - I like how you clearly spell out what's going on and the resolution

[@scottberg9893]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post videos while your preparing to race.

[@jordanryan5064]

So much reality in this one, way to go keeping 22 safe while handling the situation. Bravo!

[@h0ll1s]

Wow, thanks for sharing! I'm taking it as a good reminder that if the plane isn't running the way you expect that it should to check. Thanks for being open and honest about this!

[@hovigdemirdjian1281]

Thanks for sharing Elliot. Quite informative. Documenting an emergency with video and explanations is something we all can learn from. Good job handling it.

[@marsgal42]

The controller who handled your emergency is from my home airport. You were in the very best hands.

[@blave549]

Nicely done. This reminds me of my first, and only, in-flight emergency, in probably 2000 or so. I was taking my wife up as my first pax post-private-certification at RHV, headed for the DingALing Cafe in Hollister (mostly because I like the name ;^) ). On downwind, the (relativel new) C-172R's fuel pressure gauge wasn't showing me what I wanted to see, so I declared an emergency and landed. My legs were shaking as I climbed out, and the (then) wife was not happy with me saying "oh sh*t" when I saw the pressure gauge... As it turns out it wasn't THAT big of an emergency -- something was Stuck in the fuel flow (I don't remember the details) but probably would not've resulted in an engine shutdown. But anyway -- thanks for the narrative and video. Everyone can learn from it.

[@hannes_lutzenberger]

Love your videos Elliot. I´m learning a lot every time and if feels to be there with you. You would be an amazing school teacher, tons of information told in a very smart and calm way. Hope to meet you one day and shake your hand! Airplanes are cool!

[@bazwabat1]

I've just subscribed to your channel. I am a Flightchops subscriber (Flightchopper......lordy ha ha) and was watching his Reno vids and was impressed with your conversations enough to go have a look at this one. I'm in New Zealand so long way from you guys although planning a trip in the near future. Looks to me like you did everything right handling the Mayday, certainly sound way calmer than I would have! Gotta go got some videos to watch.....................:-)

[@FlyingWildAZ]

Well another great example of how our airplane's talk to us and drop subtle hints long before they finally give up the ghost. So frustrating as a pilot to walk the dog back and realize how many hints were realized but disregarded. It of course is so clear after the fact. I've been in those shoes and I know how upsetting it can be. If only we would LISTEN to our airplanes!! I've also said well I'll never make that mistake again, and then I make the mistake again, which I guess makes me insane or an idiot. Thanks for posting! One additional comment. One of the great things about airplane ownership is you know your airplane inside and out, you know what normal looks and feels like and even the slightest deviation is noted. Conversely renters have no idea what "normal" is for the plane they may be flying for the first time. Much harder to detect subtle hints of deviation.

[@ncc74656m]

I love it when a pilot shares their own "what not to do." Great job handling the emergency, though.

[@jordmosselman3403]

Hey Elliot, thanks for sharing, i know it takes courage to do this online, i salute you. Sharing this is most important for all pilots off all types of aircraft, you watch and learn. As a former glider pilot i have had my, thankfully limited, share off iffy moments. Seems like it takes 3 little events, mishaps or decisions to end up in a bad spot all the time, every time. Wish you the best and above all, many happy landings.

[@rayfletcher3683]

Jord Mosselman agree, funny about the three things but seems true 🤔

[@K0nst4nt1n96]

This somehow shows that it is important to know how your vehicle/airplane sounds and feels. If you feel that there is something wrong trust your feelings and better be safe than sorry.

[@bioriderfc]

Watching the races online, was hoping to see you in the heats. Now I know you were a Mayday, glad you're back on the ground.

[@brthgo54]

Awesome attitude about learning from errors in judgement; a good lesson 4me. Thanks for sharing this!

[@jamesmharvey]

Great poise and landing during a stressful situation. Nicely done.

[@Rickenbacker69]

Good job getting it down safely! And, more importantly, admitting your mistakes. I've made a few mistakes flying gliders (changing fields at the last minute, getting too low before starting to pick out a field to land on etc), but the hardest part is admitting them, and learning from them. You did that, which makes you all that much more likely to survive next time something goes wrong.

[@plumbs7199]

I’m no pilot , but great recovery! I’ve seen a number clips where other pilots have stalled and nosed in ! Well done to get her back to the tarmac!!

[@jamesbarros950]

When that time comes that I get to build my little plane, I want someone with this level of candor and reflection to be the one testing and reporting back on it.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks James.

[@CapFreddy]

Beeing able to bring a situation like that to discussion, pointing out what you could have done differently, is the indication of a great person that you might be (i dont know you lol). Congratulations and thank you for sharing. All pilots have been to that situation where you know you could have done something different. We all must keep in mind that old saying "it´s better to be on ground wanting to be flying than be flying and wanting to be on groud. take off is always optional". Thanks!

[@utopiasnow]

thank you

[@ioaircraft]

Glad you got it down safe and you're ok.

[@rexwinfrey9747]

I have never seen that canopy design on a SX300. .any years ago I worked for Doug Poli at Meachum Field in Fort Worth. I helped build 7 or 8 of them. Doug designed the modification box the bubble canopy. I like your slide back bubble better than the tilt up bubble. Rex Winfrey

[@utopiasnow]

Sounds like you have a good time. My understanding is this canopy system was designed by Frank Sanders and there are only a couple of them out there. I agree it's pretty cool.

[@keithjurena9319]

Respect. Humility, you have it. 1700 rpm on a six jug is a weak cylinder.

[@destinyuk]

Wowzer Elliot! I’m sweating just watching you!

[@lazyjackass77]

you must be gutted, thanks for bringing it down safely

[@RobMorse]

Great vids and even better debrief. Good luck with the aircraft. People are cool.

[@scobun]

I drove up tonight to go to the races tomorrow. Hope to see you there! Good luck.

[@compavion]

Love these videos. Fantastic mishap debrief.

[@ttaylor7777]

If you haven't found the problem yet look at the seals on the intake tubes. A leak at the inlet will cause what you are seeing. One cylinder will be lean, poor idle, and backfiring. Had it on a IO-360 a year ago. One of the inlet seals had broken..

[@panzerfaulst12345]

Sometimes when I drive my car or ride my bike I say random numbers to myself and pretend I am on an intercom

[@juanflyer8443]

Outstanding reaction time and no hesitation. Thanks for sharing

[@TheWindigomonster]

The best kind of pilot is one who can admit their mistakes. I'd feel far safer flying with you then I would with someone who saw themselves as a hero for getting the plane on the ground.

[@gordonfeliciano4315]

Nice job handling that emergency, but you had all of the clues to tell you that something wasn't up to par before takeoff. Trust those instincts! Glad you came out of this one okay.

[@goatflieg]

A lot of value in this video. In my opinion, you did a really good job. Thanks very much for sharing this.

[@johnstuckaiii]

Elliot what about monitoring each cylinder with an infra red thermometer? Probably wouldn't be too difficult or expensive to incorporate a system to do so. ..just thinking outside of the box....

[@montyanderson7853]

First video I’m hooked because you are using tig welding gloves :)

[@snudilicious]

There where a lot of cues Elliot....a lot. Biggest mistake perhaps was not listening to your gut prior to launching. I’m glad you’re ok

[@SaltyDawg-wu5kr]

GLAD YOUR OK. THINGS MAY HAVE BEEN DIFFRENT IF YOU LOST FULL POWER. WHAT WAS THE PROBLUM? LET US KNOW. GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Captain Salty

[@bwfvc7770]

I think that it is possible that there is also a problem with the ignition, as I heard one of the leads clicking on the radio. This could indicate a high resistance between the plug and the coil, causing a track down to earth somewhere and may account for the incomplete combustion in the affected cylinder. If the circuit has a high resistance, the voltage at the coil will go way up precipitating tracking. Just a thought. All the best.

[@utopiasnow]

Interesting, thank you

[@street273]

What are the odds that I watched flight chops video first. Then the plane I'm training in has the same exact problem. I'm a student pilot certified for solo in a Cherokee 140. Lycoming engine with a cylinder out last Friday the 14th

[@garywheeler2055]

Love your presentations. Very to the point and full of info

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the comment.

[@jharms1994]

Love the videos. I was hoping to attend Reno with my Dad this year, but unfortunately couldn't make it. The coverage you and Steve are putting out is great!

[@RagdollOC]

Great video. I love all the insight and info. Thank you!

[@rjansen6874]

Thanks for sharing, glad you made it down safe!

[@PhilippeMarseille]

Must be something to watch your video after the fact. I just filmed myself doing some T&G in crosswinds conditions - nothing fancy 9knt gusting 16 at 45deg angle (on a 250'x12000' runway lol) Felt good in the plane but looking at the GoPro footage, I can see all of the small things I could have done better and I tense up... Thanks for sharing

[@marilyn3583]

Why does it look like it has two mixture levers? And that intersection landing was sweet!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the comment! Left to right: cowl flaps, throttle, propeller, mixture, ram vs filtered induction

[@karljameshunt4100]

Seriously you should put more badges on that jacket.

[@titaniumdiveknife]

I love Elliot! He's like McFly from BTTF 2.

[@terrya6486]

Well you great at mayday videos ! I wonder when the fuel system was last serviced? Great job on keeping you head and saving the plane.

[@TheFleetflyer]

Great video and well done for sharing and not trying to gloss over decisions that might be criticised. I would almost certainly have made the same set of choices as would many other pilots. If the initial misfires had cleared then your original choices would have been vindicated. Thanks also for the opprtunity to learn without me having to fly the same emergency to gain the lesson.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for the note.

[@TheFleetflyer]

BTW, I kept your analytical approach in mind when training for the Nationals, and I won the Standard Class National Champoinship a couple of weeks ago in my RV-8. I flew again and again noting speeds, CG effects on spin recovery in order to guarantee recovery on heading etc. It paid off and I beat two Pittses and a load of Extra 200s and I don't even have inverted systems in my 8. I thought you might like to know that folks are applying what they're learning from your channel and gaining tangible benefits. Keep up the good work and do look me up next time you're back in Europe.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for that, congrats on the standard class.

[@victoryautmotive1582]

Great piloting sir!

[@colla555]

All I can say is thank you for sharing this lesson

[@aviation1036]

Totally amazing pilot!!! And I received your patches!!! They super cool thanks again!!!!

[@Bellerophontess]

great, honest debrief! thanks for sharing!!!

[@manojmohan7264]

Wow..amazing vdo .. super debrief. Splendid landing !

[@mirkomania]

That watch that you are wearing...:)

[@StrandManna]

Sheesh Elliot, what is it with you and Reno? Great recovery!

[@lesbouma9666]

Great debrief. Love your style !

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks Les

[@pinkdispatcher]

Per-cylinder EGT is rare, but do you have per-cylinder CHT? Would that have shown one cold cylinder? Just asking because we recently had a digital engine monitor installed in our glider tug (Robin DR.400 with Lycoming O-360) to see these kinds of problems very quickly. Anyway, nicely handled. And that's the thing: almost all of the time the systems and procedures are such that they can tolerate one mistake, if you handle it correctly. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@danstewart42]

ya i guess an EGT per cyl would be useful

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

I'm wondering how a big chunk of debris could get through the filters. ??? How common is this sort of injector contamination?

[@mikercflyer7383]

Had my heart in my throat thank god for a great save. You are right Airplanes are cool.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Michael

[@tyronevanwyk3652]

Well done, you did great. Really nice job. Happy it worked out well for you. Just a question why so many power levers? Power pitch mixture.

[@TeemarkConvair]

thanks for sharing, an excellent 'learning' video ,,airplanes ARE cool..

[@brouillacblues]

Whats the oxygen mask for?

[@AndrewSmall963]

Thanks for posting so we can all learn from it. One question regarding the abort; from your comment about declaring the emergency late, did you mean you would have been safer to call mayday before telling 22 to make room? Good positive call for the runway, ensured everyone knew what you were doing and not using altitude prevaricating.

[@andrewscott3184]

Greased it! Nice job! Love Dennis.. good guy.

[@boruchschuster8056]

Why do you fly with a parachute. If something goes wrong would you actually have time to use it

[@nraynaud]

are you flying with welding gloves? (5:11) how did you come to this choice?

[@matthewschrock8947]

Invaluable, thanks for posting!

[@TakeDeadAim]

You got damn lucky....to miss so many signs of impending engine failure is the biggest lesson people need to take away. IF "it" doesn't feel, smell, sound or taste right...head back to the barn. That aircraft was yelling at you the entire time with the rough running, backfiring, egt etc...Glad you made it...hopefully you'll listen and not just hear next time!

[@av8tore71]

Happy nothing major happened, but I'm sure it's gotta be frustrating as well

[@andys8779]

As soon as it started crapping out at 1700, I went straight to, "holy crap, I hope somebody checked the exhaust valve springs!". What was the fix? Multiple clogs? Did the gascolator blow chunks?

[@waynep343]

ok.. what was the debris in the injector. did anybody knock it out and carefully try to identify it material.. next since those are constant flow injectors.. who is going to come up with an adapter between the line and the injector with a screen in it that will catch any debris and still flow.. the injector feed pipe looked kinda crushed where it broke.. whats up with that. and thinking farther back.. depending on what the debris was.. do you carry a battery powered leaf blower to blow the filler cap area off before heading out to refuel..

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Wow. Intense! Good work.

[@hansb57]

I'm wondering if the lean and rich cilinders get hurt and if you do a leakdwon on the spot?

[@BVRDesign]

Super informative, thanks for sharing!