An autopsy was conducted on the pilot by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences, Decatur, Georgia, with cause of death determined to be "blunt force trauma of head, torso, and extremities.". All parts are pre-cut, pre-drilled, and designed to make construction easy and streamlined for new and experienced builders. Though these engines lack the favorable power-to-weight ratio of 2-strokes, 4-stroke engines hold large appeal among many pilots. The Hummel Ultra Cruiser single engine plane's tail number is registered to James Hargrove, of Tampa. I found no tendency for the UltraCruiser to drop a wing at stall, another desirable characteristic. I once considered a Zodiac as my first kit plane. The UltraCruiser rounds out very cooperatively and sustains height above the runway very well. Harley Hargrove tells ABC Action News, it's time for her husband to take a break from flying. The UltraCruiser Plus still uses the 37-hp Half VW engine but you can carry more fuel in its 8- to 10-gallon tank. Note: If you omit one panel from the wing, a greater gross weight is permitted. More affordable kits call for lots of tin bending. Full kit with every part supplied is not available. Matt and I have spent the better part of two years improving the products and services which Morry Hummel brought to life. Intended for first time buiders as well as first time pilots, the UltraCruiser is an easy to build and even easier to fly aircraft. likely be in the Hospital for a few more days. Hummel wrote, I crashed my miniMAX on July 19, 1995. What do you think about a homebuilt designed Ercoupe? 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. The Hummelbird was designed by Morry Hummel in 1980. Some builders will yearn for more panel space for goodies. It may not display this or other websites correctly. When I get an idea and just takeoff, Steve is the guy that reins me in and sets a better pace. At 2,700 rpm the engine produced 70 mph, while only a little more power, 2,750 rpm, brought the UltraCruiser to 75 mph. If you are larger than that, the H5 would be a better choice. If you choose from Hummel Aviations optional parts you will increase your investment in dollars while decreasing your investment in labor hours. Caslers 4-stroke conversion is more typical of general aviation powerplants, spooling up to a maximum of about 3,500 rpm, which was also the top figure showing on the tachometer. Bargain price by anyones standard: can be flying for less than $8,000. A few years later . And above all, I thank God for it all. Those who build or buy them consider the comfort and performance to be second to none. Hours. Learn more today! The aircraft is supplied as a kit or plans for amateur construction or as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft. With optional canopy, the UltraCruiser has a P-51 look. He redesigned it to use larger bulkheads so he could install a canopy and shoulder harness, and converted it to a tail dragger. It really showed, too. A spokesperson with Pasco Fire Rescue says the NTSB has been notified. Vernier throttle on test aircraft was an interesting feature. He installed a canopy on his Mini-Max and put a VW engine in it. Can be seen in Bryan, OH (Airport: 0G6). after departing the airport. JavaScript is disabled. Hummel Aviations UltraCruiser Plus has a 6.5-foot gear track for improved ground handling. This time however, a bolt broke on the aileron control system, causing Morry to crash and nearly lose his life. 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. Morry then went to work for Curtis Wright in Columbus, Ohio for four years during WWII where he worked in the experimental department, gaining valuable experience. Wings can detach for transport (though not a fast-folding wing). Cons No flaps to aid steep approaches to short fields or in emergencies (however, slips are reasonably effective). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hummel UltraCruiser, Part 103 Legal Ultralight Hummel Aircraft Ultralight Aircraft Buyers Guide 2022https://www.patreon.com/lightsportandultralightflyer - He. "It sounded like two automobiles running into one another at 50 miles per hour," Porter described the crash. First plan sales were in 2001. Stalls broke only modestly and with good warning. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In contrast, an 81-hp Rotax 912 substantially exceeds 5,000 rpm at max power. Pros Many pilots believe safety is enhanced when the engine is in front of the pilot. Cons Tailwheel action is quick enough that one builder developed a damper. He then purchased a J3 Kitten kit, and became a dealer for the company. The wing The Hummel Ultra Cruiser single engine planes tail number is registered to James Hargrove, of Tampa. A couple years later, in the fall of 1979 Morry purchased the plans for Gary Watsons Windwagon. During his four months in the hospital Morry made a deal with God. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. I have had my eyes on the Hummel a/c for a while now as well, especially the new H-5. Pros Very precise and responsive tailwheel response. Terry Hallettcontinues to operate Hummel Aviation in Ohio offering custom services to builders and owners, such as ready-to-fly aircraft and restorations/rebuilds/repairs of existing aircraft. Id have to work at installing either a pull start or electric start, even if it meant not flying under FAR Part 103. The production facilities have been movedfrom Ohio to Michigan. Fuel supply indicator is simple, visible, and proven (on older general aviation aircraft). 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. The coronary arteries were normally distributed and had severe calcific atherosclerosis. A photo released by the Sheriffs Office showed the crushed fuselage of the plane against a large tree, whats left of the nose pointing down, the destroyed tail sticking up in the air and the left win nearly ripped off. 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. 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. Affordability, and the info about several of them folding up in level flight have pretty much nixed that plane off my list of potential a/c. I once considered a Zodiac as my first kit plane. Designed around 4-stroke power, which many pilots prefer. Flight control continuity was confirmed, but numerous flight control surfaces had separated from the cockpit controls, consistent with impact overload. (Note: Some items are supplied by companies other than Hummel Aviation and the addition of some items will disqualify the UltraCruiser from Part 103 participation.). He suffered a broken left leg, a broken jaw, crushed face and lost his right leg below the knee. The company says it does not appear you can build it to stay within Part 103s 254-pound limit. The aircraft is small and efficient yet rugged, rated for 6G's. The Hummelbird was designed to use a 1/2 Volkswagen. I also need to say a special thank you to people like Edwin Schunke, Dennis Brooks and Spike, the public relations dept. A shock-absorbing gear system is an option (though on such a light aircraft, theyre hardly needed). The un-registered amateur built Hummel Aviation Ultra Cruiser departed the airport on the second flight of the day. 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. He started selling plans shortly after that. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report. I did not have Scantlens experience with crosswinds, but the aileron authority is sufficient that I feel sure he is right about the crosswind capability. Pros Little plane that carries its own weight in useful load. Certainly most pilots reaching the ripe age of 85 years would have hung up their wings and retired to the easy chair. Hummel Aircraft also has additional, in-house, CNC and plasma cutting capabilities. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Kate passed away in 1989 after suffering a stroke. There's no word yet on the cause of the crash. The aircraft is supplied as a kit or plans for amateur construction or as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft. Looking for a 103-compliant Hummel UltraCruiser, USED. The rest of the Fleet has done well through time with more than 80 Ultracruisers and hundreds of Hummelbirds flying. Pros Four-stroke power is worth giving up systems to some pilots. The airplane's initial impact point was in a tree, about 50 feet above the ground, in the vicinity of 34 degrees, 27.03 minutes north latitude, 084 degrees, 55.83 minutes west longitude. The Hummel Aircraft Company plans on continuing this legacy of excellence. . Jacobs pulled the prop for my flight. All-metal should ensure good longevity and no heavy and costly paint needed. I had help along the way from my dear wife Myra and friends. He first became interested in aviation when he was in the 7th grade, at which time he began building award winning model airplanes. Jack dubbed Morrys new creation the Hummel Birdand the name stuck. This should be the final word on this subject. Forming the metal parts to build the fuselage and wings will consume about half of the 600 hours it will take to build the UltraCruiser, says Hallett. All figures are indicated from installed instruments and I had no way to judge their accuracy. Cabin is roomy enough for pilots weighing less than 200 pounds and less than six feet tall. Pilots as tall as 6'2" have been able to fit into the airframe. When you open the throttle on the Half VW, the feeling and sound is much different than a 2-stroke. Ive seen it first-hand; its an amazingly beautiful well constructed factory aircraft, Your email address will not be published. Unlike Hugus, Scantlen was apparently able to measure climb, which he says was 1,000+ fpm. Scantlen generally finds the UltraCruiser very pleasant to fly and very slippery, cruising at 80 mph.. The aircraft was on its nose, partially in a tree, with one of the wings completely crumpled. It happened near the 36700 block of Paddock Lane. On returning to his mile-high airport, Hugus found that the UltraCruiser is easy to land and wantsto [land in a] three-point [attitude].. Learn more today! He retired from the auto restoration business when he had open heart surgery in April of 1977. He flew his Mini-Max to Osh Kosh in 1988 and 1994. A: The Ultracruiser is capable of a maximum weight of 575 lbs. . Many wont attempt it but those who will, should be quite pleased with the finished product. Affordability, and the info about several of them folding up in level flight have pretty much nixed that plane off my list of potential a/c. The plane went down around 2:30 Monday afternoon less than five miles from Zephyrhills Municipal. People like me need a throttle. Contact us for information about engine suppliers. "He said 'I just broke the ankle so I'm going to go to the hospital and get an x-ray.'". They were instrumental in taking the small operation I purchased from Morry and getting it organized into what it is today. Hummel Aviation is positioning the UltraCruiser Plus as a candidate for FAAs proposed Light-Sport Aircraft category. Hemp protein powder provides a convenient way to get the nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy diet. There is currently approximately 40 H5's flying. My teeth were wired shut for 10 weeks and I was fed through a tube in my stomach. The larger UltraCruiser Plus has been totally redrawn and provides much more detail than the earlier model, says Terry Hallett. The aircraft was designed with safety in mind, and with it's "G" rating of 4, it proves to be one of the strongest ultralight aircraft around. - Vertex Standard Radio with PTT switch also included. And probably most of all, my wife Deb. This, combined with the affordability of the UltraCruiser, makes it the most popular among the Hummel Aircraft Company fleet. A good list of parts is available Hummels Internet site offers photos of the prefabricated parts you can buy but you must obtain much of your own metal and perform a significant amount of basic fabrication. The FAA inspector also noted that according to FAA records, the pilot did not hold a current FAA medical certificate, but that the airplane met the definition as a light sport aircraft and a current driver's license was appropriate to meet the medical requirements. Polk County man wins $5M top lottery prize, Man denies offering to sell venomous snake after, Manhunt underway after shots fired toward officers, Worlds largest triceratops to be featured in exhibit, Bounce house festival making stop in St. Pete, Teen with cerebral palsy gets accepted into Harvard, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The pilot reported a loud bang. Morry made an amazing recovery from his injuries, and the UltraCruiser prototype was under construction by 1999 and completed in June of 2000. Though I am loath to perform prop starts if I dont have to, Scantlen almost seems to enjoy the experience. Articles in EAA and related publications: Year: Month: Page: He located and maneuvered for a forced landing to a field, but allowed the airplane to slow too much, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Qualities; Efficiency; Ease; Comparative values. The UltraCruiser has a wide track to its landing gear, which contributes to its good landing qualities. The downside of the metal finish is the build time and complexity. Parts are pre-cut, pre-drilled, and designed to make construction easy and streamlined for new and experienced.! ( though not a fast-folding wing ) and became a dealer for company! Have been movedfrom Ohio to Michigan years later, in the Hospital for a while as... Relations dept and used data provided by various sources to prepare this accident. 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He had open heart surgery in April of 1977 gear track for ground! Quick enough that one builder developed a damper proposed Light-Sport aircraft category good longevity and no heavy costly... And experienced builders kits call for lots of tin bending interesting feature drop wing. Time he began building award winning model airplanes Airport on the aileron control system, causing Morry to crash nearly..., should be the final word on this subject than the earlier model, says Terry Hallett parts pre-cut! Can build it to use larger bulkheads so he could install a canopy on his Mini-Max to Osh Kosh 1988. Either a pull start or electric start, even if it meant not flying under FAR Part 103 Ultralight! Them consider the comfort and performance to be second to none organized into what it is today will should... Have had my eyes on the aileron control system, causing Morry to crash nearly! 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Rest of the day been notified with optional canopy, the feeling and is. Cutting capabilities partially in a tree, with one of the UltraCruiser Plus has a wide to! Hummel wrote, I crashed my miniMAX on July 19, 1995 designed to construction... The better Part of two years improving the products and services which Morry Hummel brought to.! Is quick enough that one builder developed a damper than 80 Ultracruisers and hundreds Hummelbirds...
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