Sat, Sep 18, 2004
But Nemesis NXT Malfunction Doesn't Appear To Have Been Design
Flaw
Team Nemesis launched their assault on the Reno National
Championship Air Races on Saturday September 11th, 2004, just two
months after first flight of the NXT aircraft. The plane rose into
the still air of their home field in Mojave (CA), bound for Reno
with pilot Jon Sharp at the controls and his wife Patricia in the
right seat – her first flight in the NXT. The trip to
Reno’s Stead airfield was relaxing for Jon, exciting for
Patricia, and a flawless performance by the airplane.
Jon took NXT for it’s first run at the pylons during
Monday’s slot for Sport Class planes, posting a moderate
unofficial speed of 287 mph in extremely bumpy conditions.
During Tuesday’s flight in calmer air, Jon opened the
throttle a little more and entered the course on his first
qualifying run. He posted an official time of 324.755 mph - with
plenty of throttle travel remaining! Unfortunately, NXT experienced
a left main gear malfunction on landing and was unable to fly
again. Jon was unhurt.
The cause of the gear failure is under investigation and
preliminary indications point to a malfunction of a purchased part
rather than a design flaw. While disappointed that he
couldn’t finish this year’s air races, Jon continues to
express complete confidence in the aircraft and is looking forward
to Reno 2005. He believes NXT is one of the best handling, easiest
to land, and most breathtakingly fast aircraft he’s ever
flown. He’ll just have to wait until next year to prove
it.
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