Now here's one for the record books!

[n4gix 4,947]

ATC recording. Imagine how embarrased the pilot must have been!

 

[stans 703]

I just wonder how one manages to taxi and take off with the tow bar still attached.  Perhaps another case of being in such a hurry that the checklist was not fully completed?

[DaveCT2003 1,820]

The Eclipse must have better than normal trim capabilities.  I mean, he almost HAD to have felt some wicked trim issue in flight, and quick check of the winds would have told him something air-frame or control surface wise (because nobody would think towbar) was grossly amiss. Great lessons learned for why it's import to listen (feel) what your aircraft is telling you. He's luck he even had a front wheel or tire to land on... he had a spiritual co-pilot on that one.

 

 

 

[vgbaron 3,627]

Also, as I understand it, the a/c is overpowered so it probably just pushed through any drag etc on t/o. Surprised he didn't hear anything though when he was taxiing out.

Embarrassing is not strong enough.

[n4gix 4,947]

8 hours ago, stans said:

I just wonder how one manages to taxi and take off with the tow bar still attached.  Perhaps another case of being in such a hurry that the checklist was not fully completed?

Actually, now that I've reflected on this, how did he manage to retract the gear since the towbar is firmly attached (temporarily) to the nose gear's axle. How would the nose gear bay doors even close?

[darrenvox 135]

lol lol lol...how could no one see that hanging from it while it took off

Edited February 25 by darrenvox

[ZoblebV8 57]

2 hours ago, n4gix said:

Actually, now that I've reflected on this, how did he manage to retract the gear since the towbar is firmly attached (temporarily) to the nose gear's axle. How would the nose gear bay doors even close?

I believe the two airports are close enough he probably did not retract the gear.

[Mike A 338]

Interesting that it’s not an isolated incident:

https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/aeromedical-factors/cessna-172-pilots-take-off-with-the-tow-bar-attached/
 

https://generalaviationnews.com/2022/10/12/pilot-forgets-to-remove-tow-bar-before-takeoff/
 

[Fielder 3,680]

Nightmare at 3000 feet. Gremlins attaching toe bar with hammer and rivets.