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[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- > > > I am adamant in my belief that shoulder harnesses in an aircraft with no > > superstructure or roll cage > > over the pilots head are more dangerous than the lack thereof. > > I must take issue with this. I had an acquaintance who suffered a relatively > minor accident in a twin but died because his head hit the panel. It was > estimated that the plane was only going 25-30 mph when it hit. Shoulder > harnesses do not have to be so tight as to force the wearer into a completely > erect position, just tight enough to keep you from kissing the panel. After > seeing my friend, I'll take my chances with the harness. I have to agree with you John. I was in an accident with my shoulder belt done up but not overly tight. The plane (152) hooked a power line under full power trying to climb out at 50 kts in rising terrain. It caught the main gear & broke a power pole slamming the plane straight down prop first into the ground , then flipped over on it's back. It did not slide on the ground at all! Granted, this was a high wing plane & the wing did offer me protection when it flipped & yes if it were a coupe, I would have been pushed up into the cockpit but by the time that happened I would have been dead because of the initial impact. You see, my right hand was on the throttle & it went right through the DG while my left hand was on the left side of the yoke. On impact my left hand pushed forward on the yoke , breaking the yoke off where it attaches to the column leaving a jagged shaft pointed at my chest as inertia carried me forward. I have a little scar just left of my breast bone where that shaft just nicked me. With no shoulder belt, the shaft would have gone right through me as well as blending my face in with the dash. I was very lucky but the belt saved my life without a doubt. Needless to say, I always wear my shoulder belt & will continue to in this coupe I'm buying. Darwin in Alberta > > ================================================================== > TO UNSUBSCRIBE go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm ================================================================== TO UNSUBSCRIBE go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm
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