Impact.wmv

[300quicksilver]

4) The “Wedge” features on both the sponsons and bow. Which were essential to achieve a planning condition. Were now working against him and causing aerodynamic lift CL which increases at the square of the crafts velocity.

5) Being a 3 pointer hydroplane any tramping causes a nose up couple, hence another “Lift” factor.

6) Reduction in thrust would reduce the desired nose down component (If the thrust line was above the C of G).

[300quicksilver]

Many people have asked the searching question ~ “What caused the crash?” and the following factors come to mind but not in order of importance:-

1) Water conditions. Surface irregularities due to the first run and the application of the water brake.

2) The craft was some 200/300lbs lighter due to not refuelling.

3) To achieve an average of 300 mph he had to return faster than the first run.

[TheRichthoffen]

@300quicksilver Also on a test run a mallard duck had hit one of the sponson arms (bird strike) causing irregularity to the slipstream. Some still believe a sunken log was struck by K7. I think that the Orpheus flamed out and the Bluebird took to the skies where it belonged and Donald Campell became a legend. Should be knighted by now!

[falcondriver123]

It seems to me the significant factor shown by this clip is that he was clearly becoming air-bourne for several seconds prior to the eventual lift-off, as evidenced by the pauses in spray from the left float. I wonder if that was "normal" or a sign that something was going wrong?

[TheBluebirdProject]

@falcondriver123

Thanks for your comment! You are absolutely correct- there are three distinct 'bounces' before K7 finally lifts off, which start as the boat loses the critical down thrust from the engine.