Around 11:00am yesterday, September 18th, a Cessna 162 Skycatcher ran into some problems shortly after starting a test flight near Douglas, KS.  To date the Cessna 162 has accumulated over 150 hours of flight time and 100 flights as it is being tested for certification by the FAA.

According to witnesses they heard a loud "pop" followed by some sparks as they observed the aircraft spiral down towards the ground before crashing into a line of trees.  The aircraft was equipped with an emergency exit door and the test pilot was able to bail out of the aircraft.  The pilot landed about 1200 feet from the aircraft wreckage and was taken to a local hospital for observation although the pilot appeared to be uninjured.

According to Cessna Aircraft Company's web site the Cessna model 162 is an all-metal, single engine piston, high-wing monoplane with a two-person seating                 capacity including the pilot. Suitable allowance for luggage                 is provided aft of the seats. The 162 will be                 equipped per FAR 91.205 to meet both Day and Night                 VFR flight requirements. Cessna's worldwide network of                 authorized service centers provides a complete source for all servicing needs.

The Cessna 162 is Cessna's entry into the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category to provide an affordable new technology training aircraft for flight schools as well as an option for private pilots who want to fly for pleasure.  You can find out more about this new aircraft at "The Cessna 162 SkyCatcher" web pages on Cessna Aircraft Company's web site.

Until next time keep your wings straight and level Hersch!

JetAviator7

For once you have tasted flight
you will walk the earth
with your eyes turned skywards,
for there you have been
and there you will long to return. -- Leonardo da Vinci