RV-7 N890GF

Today is the day I did my first flight in N890GF!

All ground run checks were in the green, so I taxied out to the runway for a beautiful, calm normal takeoff. Climb out at 2700 RPM making full power, fuel flow perfect at 15GPH, fuel and oil pressure all in the green.

About 800 ft up I got some strong engine stuttering, ground observers said black smoke was sputtering from the exhaust. No change to oil or fuel pressure, but fuel flow dropped to about 8GPH, RPM down to 1700 or so, and EGTs on 1, 2, 3, all dropped from ~1450 down to 850. Number 4 stayed high at ~1300 (down from 1500). Number 3 eventually got down to 500F before reducing power to idle.

I immediately looked at my speed (105KIAS) and altitude (900ft agl) and decided to do the impossible turn. I made a slight right turn  and let my speed come down to 70KIAS before bringing the nose back down to hit 75KIAS. Because I was still making partial power (~40%) I knew I would make the field, but when I brought throttle back to idle my RPM was still sitting at about 1500 (maybe this is related, but unsure). I got over the numbers at 72KIAS, and wasn’t seeing it bleed off, so I pulled the mixture to idle-cutoff and did my best ever tail low wheel landing about 1/3rd of the way down the runway. 

All in all, I’m glad I can make this write up. The VansAirForce forums have been invaluable for me in being ready for this day. Thank you to everyone on the forums, my instructor Taylor, my wonderful wife and family for supporting me on this 10 year journey.

Second flight should be soon hopefully – engine investigation first.