Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen says the amateur-built aircraft crashed in the woods after departing from an airport in Calhoun around 2 p.m. Tuesday. 1644 I received the following report on the pilot, "His wrist was pretty bad and also his left foot. The Hummel Ultracruiser (also variously called the Ultra Cruiser and UltraCruiser) is an American amateur-built aircraft, designed by Morry Hummel and produced by Hummel Aviation. by: WFLA 8 On Your Side Staff, Victoria Price. I found it an inspiring story. About his experience, he writes, My UltraCruiser climbs very well.He didnt provide numbers about the climb rates as he says the panel is too small for a VSI when he prefers more important instruments.But he notes the 37-hp UltraCruiser accelerates to 75 to 80 mph at full throttle and holds that airspeed with about 3,100 rpm. I consider this a good performance for a small engine at a high starting elevation. He married Kate in 1938 and they had two children. The report identified extensive fibrosis and scarring throughout the heart muscle, suggesting previous coronary artery blockage event(s); but with no further details of the scarring and no microscopic examination. My fingers and arms are too important to me to risk losing them in an improperly executed prop start. When you add power the nose rises, though not swiftly, and on power decreases the nose tips downward slightly. Instrumentation; Ergonomics of controls; Creature comforts; (items covered may be optional). No one else was hurt. There's no word yet on the cause of the crash. Not the least of which was my first meeting with Morry and Myra Hummel. With optional canopy, the UltraCruiser has a P-51 look. It happened just west of the airport. received the following report on the pilot, "His wrist was pretty bad Hummel UltraCruiser, Part 103 Legal Ultralight Hummel Aircraft Ultralight Aircraft Buyers Guide 2022https://www.patreon.com/lightsportandultralightflyer - He. Reports place the aircraft at 50 At least two CA-2 models have been constructed. Compared to the Rotax 582 and its 65 hp or even the Rotax 503 and its 50 horses, the Half VW with 37 hp the highest power offered by Hummels 2-cylinder powerplants sounds rather weak. "While I was in the hospital for 5 months, I had time to think. Pros Many pilots believe safety is enhanced when the engine is in front of the pilot. Postaccident Initial examination of the airplane at the accident site revealed each fuel shutoff valve was in the "on" position. My checkout pilot, Jon Jacobs, also posted a few comments. Pilots as tall as 6'2" have been able to fit into the airframe. Plans and Manual for constructing the UltraCruiser. Once I got down in ground effect, an earlier feeling that the UltraCruiser was sinking rather fast disappeared. Recently completed with 3 hours of test flight. He received a letter from the FAA shortly thereafter, requesting that he no longer fly a certified aircraft, as he had never renewed his medical after his heart surgery. Fire crews say there are no hazards reported from the aircraft. Fuselage, Motorbox, Center Wing complete and Landing Gear complete. As the first few UltraCruisers neared completion, the plans were redrawn to incorporate changes and improve clarity. The pilot then saw the wing fold. 16288 County Road D Bryan, OH 43506 Phone: (419) 636-6700 Email: Sales@flyhummel.com Pasco Fire Rescue says no one else was on board. How, I did not know at the time. Bucs WR expected to be released from hospital, Bucs fans come ready for battle in matchup with Cowboys, Tampa Bay rolls into 17th Annual Soul Roll Skate, TOBA to host 43rd Annual MLK Leadership Breakfast, Artists create business despite the odds, educate. It may not display this or other websites correctly. People like me need a throttle. Subsystems available to pilot such as: Flaps; Fuel sources; Electric start; In-air restart; Brakes; Engine controls; Navigations; Radio; (items covered may be optional). Hours . However, a slow approach speed will also help contain the landing roll. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Hummel Ultra Cruiser single engine planes tail number is registered to James Hargrove, of Tampa. Steve is my mentor, confidant, and throttle. Two hours on Hobbs for engine run-up and initial test flight. The plane was destroyed by fire after it crashed, Bergen said. Vinyl wrap. Seat Cushions. Construction time from the supplied kit is estimated as 420 hours. The wreckage path angle of decent was about 60 degrees, heading approximately 290 degrees. Contact us for information about engine suppliers. Cabin is roomy enough for pilots weighing less than 200 pounds and less than six feet tall. Hummel Aviation is positioning the UltraCruiser Plus as a candidate for FAAs proposed Light-Sport Aircraft category. The VW conversion is a Hummel creation now built by another company. Cons Challenge of building this kit will eliminate it from interest by many pilots and already-built ones for sale are scarce. She is the best. It can even function well at high elevation fields.The Half VWs 37 horses display a lot of energy and I estimate the brief launch roll was 100 to 150 feet. ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. (WFLA) - UPDATED STORY: A Tampa pilot is recovering after the plane he built by hand crashed into a Zephyrhills cow pasture. Anyone have any insight? On returning to his mile-high airport, Hugus found that the UltraCruiser is easy to land and wantsto [land in a] three-point [attitude].. "He said 'I just broke the ankle so I'm going to go to the hospital and get an x-ray.'". This, combined with the affordability of the UltraCruiser, makes it the most popular among the Hummel Aircraft Company fleet. Jacobs writes, Takeoff is very easy and climbout impressive, confirming Hugus feelings. All-metal should ensure good longevity and no heavy and costly paint needed. The UltraCruiser was born under rather unusual circumstances. The UltraCruiser is a joy to fly. The pilot sustained "moderate injuries" and was taken to local hospital, the agency said. The UltraCruiser is a Part 103legal all metal ultralight, 6.5 ft.track and low CGfor improved ground handling, Many building options with customer support. No electrics, and no canopy. According to a responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, witnesses reported that the airplane took off from runway 17 with engine sounds, ground roll and departure all "normal." likely be in the Hospital for a few more days. Fly Hummel. It simply sounded like a VW Beetle engine running at low revolutions and was a pleasant change from a 2-stroke whine or the higher-rev noise produced by the Rotax 912 series. The Hummel Bird is an experimental/amateur built aircraft designed by Morry Hummel and produced by Hummel Aviation of Byran, Ohio, United States. and became a dealer for them. Cosmetic appearance, structural integrity, achievement of design goals, effectiveness of aerodynamics, ergonomics. For those who want to hold their investment as low as possible, Hummel indicates that their step-by-step manual is very complete with all materials listed as well as addresses for where to buy off-the-shelf items. M O S A I C Six months later, they were married and Myra moved from her home in Arkansas to Morrys home in Bryan, Ohio. External Antenna with coax and control stick PTT, Yaesu FT-450L Radio, Kolb KA1 Headset. Contact us for information about engine suppliers. Like Hugus, Jacobs feels landings are easy, but he adds, Proper airspeed is important, as this bird is slippery and loves to float. I also found these qualities and I tried slower approach speeds to reduce the float. Elevator sits very close to ground if field is rough; inspect carefully. The aircraft is small and efficient yet rugged, rated for 6G's. The Hummelbird was designed to use a 1/2 Volkswagen. The plane was destroyed by fire after it crashed, Bergen said. Did Brady play his last game at Raymond James? 37HP Hummel Engine with MGL ASV-1. BD-5 - Why is it so engrained in our psyches? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FAR PART 103 COMPLIANT? After several months of working with Terry, Morry agreed to turn the day to day operations of Hummel Aviation over to him while still remaining involved in technical issues as required. You are using an out of date browser. Circumstances prevented me from flying one of the intriguing little aircraft in the past, but when factory helper Jon Jacobs brought the UltraCruiser to Floridas South Lakeland Airpark, I was ready. What grocery stores are open on New Years Eve, Day? , Compass, Airspeed, T&S, Engine Gauges included. I lost my right leg below the knee, my left leg was badly broken, and my face crushed. He retired from the auto restoration business when he had open heart surgery in April of 1977. A new Hummel website will be up and running in January. He redesigned it to use larger bulkheads so he could install a canopy and shoulder harness, and converted it to a tail dragger. 16288 County Road D Bryan, OH 43506 Phone: (419) 636-6700 Email: Sales@flyhummel.com. Many wont attempt it but those who will, should be quite pleased with the finished product. I very much liked flying with this engine. Info on Morry's 1/2 VW Conversions: Casler Telephone: 419-335-2147 Info packs for engines are $2. Doug Stuckey has worked in the shop, part time for the last 8 years or so. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation. Cons Build times are lengthy, even the fastest configuration is more than 300 hours. The wing Ran well. When you open the throttle on the Half VW, the feeling and sound is much different than a 2-stroke. Reading about the Zodiac has me thinking. Toxicology was positive for blood pressure medications that, by themselves, should not have degraded the pilots ability to safely operate the airplane but with other factors, could have resulted in low blood pressure, dizziness, or even unconsciousness. Hummel Aviation UltraCruiser ultralight experimental amateurbuilt homebuilt aircraft part 103 legal. Addresses the questions: Will a buyer get what he/she expects to buy, and did the designer/builder achieve the chosen goal?. The Ultracruiser Classicwas designed to use a 1/2 Volkswagen. Those keen on remaining within Part 103s low regulation environment can also consider Hummel Aviations CA-2 model. and will be taking a few months off to recover" [w]. Flight control continuity was confirmed, but with numerous flight control surfaces separated from the cockpit controls, consistent with impact overload. Matt has over 35 years in aviation which includes being certified to pilot in various aircraft, flight and ground school instruction, flight simulator design and build, instructing aeronautics at the University level, and of course, building ultralight and experimental aircraft. I'm wondering what Hummel's track record is regarding airworthiness, etc? I found the UltraCruiser adequately roomy for my average-sized body, but larger folks could look into the UltraCruiser Plus, though it cannot fit inside Part 103 weight limitations. The airplane impacted a tree then the ground before coming to rest upright in a nose-low attitude. Accident occurred Tuesday, December 18, 2012 in Calhoun, GA, Aircraft: RUSSOM ROY G HUMMEL H5, registration: N156FH. Hummel Ultracruiser Rebuild part 1 4,723 views Jan 6, 2021 82 Dislike Share Lewis N. Clark 596 subscribers A walk-around of my recently acquired Hummel Ultracruiser Ultralight airplane. However, I found the UltraCruiser to be quite sprightly in its performance, and others, whom Ill quote later inthis article, echo my feelings. In order to keep the UltraCruiser within Part 103 with its 4-stroke engine, pull or electric starting simply isnt feasible. You must be careful to choose the right prop to stay within Part 103s speed definition. It is so good, he says, One hardly needs to S-turn.. News & Video on Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot Kits, and Ultralight Aircraft, February 17, 2004 by Dan Johnson 5 Comments. Superb visibility while checking for incoming traffic. Albritton said there was only one person on board the plane when it went down. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. But Scantlen adds, It has light plane characteristics, in a low-drag airplane.. The plans have similarities to those from Fisher Flying Products in that many parts are drawn in full size so you can build directly on the plans to ensure greater accuracy. The engine and firewall sustained heat damage, and most of the center section aft of the fire wall was consumed by fire. Though I am loath to perform prop starts if I dont have to, Scantlen almost seems to enjoy the experience. If you are larger than that, the H5 would be a better choice. Morry rebuilt the plane and flew it from Bryan, Ohio to Sun-n-Fun and back in January of 1977. Available as plans built, kit built or anything in between. Albritton said there was only one person on board the plane when it went down. Though the tailwheel lifts quickly and easily, I found that the UltraCruiser showed no tendency to overlift the tail. Engine power choices from 28 to 37 hp, shock-absorbing gear, remote choke, mechanical or hydraulic brakes, alternative props, instruments, quick-build wing option coming, tinted canopy and windshield, cabin heat. This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. He flew his Mini-Max to Osh Kosh in 1988 and 1994. And probably most of all, my wife Deb. SHOP ULTRACRUISER | Hummel Aircraft Shop Ultracruiser Classic - One of the only FAR Part 103 all-metal ultralights around! Aircraft Design / Aerodynamics / New Technology. I have had my eyes on the Hummel a/c for a while now as well, especially the new H-5. I bent it out of the way for some of the other pictures. I lost my right leg below the knee, my left leg was badly broken, and my face crushed. Additional Participating Entity: New ready-to-fly Ultracruiser. Witnesses reported that when the airplane took off, the engine sounds, ground roll, and departure were all normal. Then, about 300 feet above the ground, the airplane began a slow roll to the right (the airport traffic pattern was to the left), reaching about 90 degrees of bank and 60 degrees of nose-down pitch when it descended into trees. After recovering from his open heart surgery a few months later, Morry flew his Corbin Jr. Weather, recorded at an airport 13 nautical miles to the southwest, at 1353, included clear skies, wind from 300 degrees true at 5 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, altimeter setting 29.96 inches Hg. The 76-year-old pilot had no recent Federal Aviation Administration medical examinations, but none were required as he was operating the airplane as a sport pilot. Steve always does whatever it takes to get it done. However, some pedal extensions not unlike what little children have on their first tricycles so they can reach the pedals made the pivoting bar feel much like actual rudder pedals. A spokesperson with Pasco Fire Rescue says the NTSB has been notified. My teeth were wired shut for 10 weeks and I was fed through a tube in my stomach. He made these options available for his kits. This should be the final word on this subject. The brakes are differential to allow tighter maneuvering and are actuated via heel brakes. New FI.R.M. Morry test flew a Volksplane in the summer of 1985 and the fuel pump quit. When I get an idea and just takeoff, Steve is the guy that reins me in and sets a better pace. Jacobs pulled the prop for my flight. [1][3][5], By December 2011 100 examples had been completed and flown. If you choose from Hummel Aviations optional parts you will increase your investment in dollars while decreasing your investment in labor hours. Category Plans, Kits, & Info. The FAA inspector also noted that the airplane had accumulated 3.8 hours of total flight time as part of its initial Phase I operating limitations for an amateur-built aircraft. . HUMMEL FLEET THE ULTRACRUISER FAR PART 103 ULTRALIGHT HP (RANGE) : 28 - 45 HP GROSS WEIGHT : 575 VNE : 95 MPH CRUISE : 63 MPH STALL : 28 MPH TAKEOFF RUN : 150 FT TAKEOFF OVER 50 FT OBSTACTLE : 300 FT RATE OF CLIMB : 500 - 1000 FT/MIN LANDING DISTANCE : 300 FT View More THE H5 HP (RANGE) : 60- 85 HP GROSS WEIGHT : 850 VNE : 150 MPH From the time I accidentally got airborne for its first flight, I couldnt wait to get back up in it. Sometimes first flights arent quite so inspiring as a pilot takes time to master the controls. A Tampa pilot is recovering after the plane he built by hand crashed into a Zephyrhills cow pasture. Is the UltraCruiser Plus the new H5 mentioned in the article? Good power response test; power-up raised the nose and vice versa. The next thing is warm clothing and right after that, a sled. Approaches can be done down to the 40-mph range. Shop Ultracruiser Classic - One of the only FAR Part 103 all-metal ultralights around! The companys demonstration aircraft is located at the Livingston County Airport in Howell, Michigan. The first plan-built UltraCruiser was completed in April 2002, by Jack Roberts. He reported a loss of power when he was attempting to land. Part 103 while canopy not in use. Precision turns to headings were straightforward. He got his pilots license on February 20, 1960. Hummel Aviation also offers the UltraCruiser Plus for pilots weighing more than 200 pounds and taller than 6 feet. The rest of the Fleet has done well through time with more than 80 Ultracruisers and hundreds of Hummelbirds flying. Hand-start, run on test-stand only. Part 103 while canopy not in use. They have put a pin in his wrist and are The UltraCruiser Plus still uses the 37-hp Half VW engine but you can carry more fuel in its 8- to 10-gallon tank. [1][2], The Ultracruiser is a development of the heavier Hummel Bird, designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254lb (115kg). Long ground float will stymie landings after a too-fast approach. He blacked out. I also need to say a special thank you to people like Edwin Schunke, Dennis Brooks and Spike, the public relations dept. The left ventricular wall measured 1.2 cm (normal). The aircraft was designed by Morry Hummel in 1999, and first flew in 2000. I found no tendency for the UltraCruiser to drop a wing at stall, another desirable characteristic. Arrangements were then made to take the same flight on their way home so they would be able to talk some more. Roy Climb; Glide; Sink; Cruise/stall/max speeds; Endurance; Range; Maneuverability. The UltraCruiser is an unusual ultralight built of all metal. James Morris Hummelwas born on August 5, 1915, in Bryan, Ohio. FAA Regulation Update Fall 2022, Published in Light Sport and Ultralight Flying. Hummel Ultracruiser. Stalls were quite mild. The UltraCruiser can be purchased as plans-only, partial kit, or full parts-kit. -Terry Hallett, MORRY HUMMEL, AGE 85, FLYING HIS ULTRACRUISER, HUMMEL AIRCRAFT COMPANY AQUIRES HUMMEL AVIATION : HISTORY OF HUMMEL CONTINUES. First flights were in 2000. It felt very stable on the ground. [1][3][4], The Ultracruiser features a cantilever low-wing, a single-seat open, or optionally enclosed, cockpit that is 23.5in (60cm) wide, fixed conventional landing gear, or optionally tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration. Thin aluminum construction could see hangar rash more easily. He installed a canopy on his Mini-Max and put a VW engine in it. Secure seat belts were installed on test UltraCruiser. The design can be built straight from plans up to, and including a full kit. [1], Data from Kitplanes and Hummel Aviation[1][3], "The Airfoil Adventures of Harry Riblett", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hummel_Ultracruiser&oldid=1118545666, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 27 October 2022, at 16:16. Its designer, Morry Hummel, was not a young engineer with a passion for flying ultralights. The production facilities have been movedfrom Ohio to Michigan. Despite the smoothly contoured aluminum fuselage, the UltraCruiser showed respectable slips. I have had my eyes on the Hummel a/c for a while now as well, especially the new H-5. It just might do the same for you. No 2-seat models are available or planned. Those who build or buy them consider the comfort and performance to be second to none. Cons Four-strokes dont spool up as rapidly as 2-strokes, something to keep in mind if you need a quick burst of power, say on approach to landing. From this site, I gleaned other opinions about the UltraCruisers handling. bent into an angle. He had used a piece of 2024 .016 sheet I have been blessed many times.". The wreckage path angle of decent was about 60 degrees, heading approximately 290 degrees, and the wreckage came to rest in a dense thicket approximately 200 yards from the western edge of the airport property, approximately midfield. God bless you all. " Id have to work at installing either a pull start or electric start, even if it meant not flying under FAR Part 103. Substantial crosswind capability. The aircraft is extremely versatileand maneuverable. A spokesperson with Pasco Fire Rescue says the NTSB has been notified.

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