In 2022, new IAC3 member Bill Powell from Memphis attended his first 'Bear Creek Bash' in Rome GA. Flying his Christen Eagle in Primary, he scorred very well and placed first in each flight winning the category. The decision was made to try his luck at Nationals in Septmeber but it was on the way to Salina, KS that his luck ran out... Read Bill's adventure below:
Friday, Sept 30, 2022 was the day I planned to make my Salina KS for my first ever IAC Nationals. The morning stated out great and I was excited to be making the journey. I had a planned stopped in Branson, MO for gas and it was as I turned off the runway that my day took a turn for the worse!
There was a large and very embarrassing cloud of white smoke lasting several seconds coming from the cowl as I began to taxi towards the gas pump. There were other subtle indications the engine was not healthy. Long story short, I made the decisions to pull the engine and took it to Barrett Precision Engines in Tulsa, OK for an overhaul and some upgrades. I bumped the compression ration from a stock 8:7 to 1 to 10:0 to 1. The “ new” engine pulled 211 hp on the Dyno.
I removed the wings, stuffed the whole airplane into the back of a 26’ UHaul truck, and took the airframe to Southeast Aero in St Augustine, FL for a full tear down, inspection, repairs as needed, recover repaint, and avionics upgrades (Garmin GTN 650xi with a GTX 345 transponder). I also replaced my two blade Hartzell prop with a three blade composite MT prop. Needless to say, this is all very expensive, but it will be arguably one of the finest Christen Eagle's on the planet when its done.
Yes, the airplane is STILL at Southeast Aero. They do great work but apparently perfection can’t be rushed. I have been amazed at some of the defects they have discovered and corrected. This has been a painfully slow and frustrating process, but I am sure my patience will be rewarded.
Two cracks were discovered in the frame at places common to Christen Eagles and Pitts. This is after the approved service bulletin repair. The components for the repair were purchased from Aviat Aircraft in Afton, WY. This welded in repair will significantly strengthen this area of the frame which carries a high load. This photo was taken from the front of the airplane looking aft with the firewall removed.
I am very much looking forward to getting back into flying aerobatics - great stress therapy! Apparently the Eagle may be ready to fly out in the April-May time frame. I was hoping to make the Bear Creek Bash this year, but I will not have time to practice enough to compete. I may come on over anyway just to help out. I can't wait to eventually get the Eagle back in the air and upside down again!
Bill Powell
Memphis