SFS News: WhightKnightTwo - Failure of a Speedbrake Actuator

Flight: 10
Date: 19 June 09
Flight Time: 6 hours (planned)
Pilot: Siebold Copilot: Nichols
FTE: None

Objectives:
To evaluate performance, stability and control, and cold soak effects on 1st long cross country. Flyby at Spaceport America as able.

Results:
En route testing above 40,000 feet was uneventful. During the descent toward the Spaceport America groundbreaking we experienced a failure of a speedbrake actuator. Based on facilities available and logistics for our ground crew, the pilots elected to make a precautionary landing at Williams Gateway airport near Phoenix. Our ground crew is on site and we hope to return to Mojave either this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Please feel free to discuss this topic further...