Update on Andrew Nelson after crash

Calvin just posted this up. Thankfully, Andrew is out of the hospital and is expected to fully recover. 
 

Thanks for the update. 

I doubt anything locked up. I mean a automatic transmission has nothing but a fluid coupler connecting it to the engine. If the engine quits, it quits pumping but it's not locked to anything, until you start getting into the $3k range lockup converters.

Good to hear he's on his way to recovery.  

Kudos to the son for providing the update and remaining strong - it took courage to present all that information.  

A wonderful heartfelt delivery by Calvin.  Thank you for sharing. Stay strong to all 4 in PACC racing!

In reply to Datsun310Guy :

My favorite picture was that of his father standing there ( with the aide of a walker ) smiling and giving a thumbs up.  
     I can only imagine the the pride he felt in his sons  workmanship  of the rollcage and other safety devices.  That saved his life in that terrifying crash.  
  And the humor in locating his laptop computer wedged up between the rollcage and the roof of the car.  Hopefully the hard drive is still intact and he can pull the data from it to discover what actually happened  in those terrifying seconds. 
      Calvin did a heroic job of explaining  what happened.  It couldn't have been easy.  I'm glad his father is on the road to recovery.  With hopefully no lasting result from thst event.  
     Further Calvin's determination to either slow down his station wagon  or increase the safety of the cage  and other things.  Even though it currently meets all the requirements  of the NHRA   is to be applauded. 

Ranger50 said:

Thanks for the update. 

I doubt anything locked up. I mean a automatic transmission has nothing but a fluid coupler connecting it to the engine. If the engine quits, it quits pumping but it's not locked to anything, until you start getting into the $3k range lockup converters.

I don't think Calvin was thinking the automatic locked up.  Rather the rear end locked up, or possibly an axle snapped. I'm going to go back through the  video's regarding the construction  of the rear end.   I vaguely remember something about the rear axles  but could be thinking of other builds.  

Thanks for the detailed update.

Glad to hear they're back on the mend.

The three decisions they have made during the Volvo autopsy are golden.  Especially making the Fairmont as safe as possible with head and rib protection and a 160 mph cage.  I have been known to be insane, but now even I know a bench seat is not correct at 150 mph.

Actually one of the best well delivered videos yet.  Race on!

That's gold. 
 

Thank you Calvin!

That was a wonderfully done video, and I'm very happy to hear that your dad is on his feet and improving...

I know we are all armchair bench racers, but I can't seem to believe that you'd get so much traction loss on only* 1 wheel to shoot him across the track like that.  A puncture, or like you alluded to, a point rear end failure just makes much more sense to me than an oildown scenario... but I'm not an expert, nor do I even play one on tv.  

I'm just happy everyone is safe.  Like my mentor that got me hooked into racing said after my first spin-  Every failure has built-in teaching points.  It's up to you to learn them though. 

Thanks for the video update! Seeing Andrew on his feet was especially great!

Ranger50 said:

Thanks for the update. 

I doubt anything locked up. I mean a automatic transmission has nothing but a fluid coupler connecting it to the engine. If the engine quits, it quits pumping but it's not locked to anything, until you start getting into the $3k range lockup converters.

That... isn't entirely accurate.   You can test this yourself by shutting an engine off in gear.  Torque converters don't freewheel, especially at higher speeds, and the pump will still be turning to provide pressure to the clutches/bands as a result.

If the engine tries to lock up, the transmission will force it to turn or die trying.

Ranger50 said:

Thanks for the update. 

I doubt anything locked up. I mean a automatic transmission has nothing but a fluid coupler connecting it to the engine. If the engine quits, it quits pumping but it's not locked to anything, until you start getting into the $3k range lockup converters.

I have seen a 700R4 that stopped spinning in the middle. Don't know what the root cause was for it but the TC was still spinning and the driveshaft was still spinning at 70mph when things in the middle stopped. twisted the driveshaft like a ribbon before it snapped. parts of the bellhousing were still attached to the engine along with the tc, tail shaft parts were still bolted to the crossmember. The chunk in the middle ended up on the pavement.

The laptop! 

If the motor locked and he didn't put it in neutral it could lock the rear. Not like a manual car where you clutch in to unload it at wot.. 

Thanks for the update. Glad he's doing okay, all things considered. I hope he has a speedy recovery. 

Positive vibes to all you Nelsons.  So glad the great fab work prevented this from being worse.

Wow.  Great thoughtful discussion about your Dad following a horrific situation.  Thank goodness he's going to be good.  

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

Ranger50 said:

Thanks for the update. 

I doubt anything locked up. I mean a automatic transmission has nothing but a fluid coupler connecting it to the engine. If the engine quits, it quits pumping but it's not locked to anything, until you start getting into the $3k range lockup converters.

That... isn't entirely accurate.   You can test this yourself by shutting an engine off in gear.  Torque converters don't freewheel, especially at higher speeds, and the pump will still be turning to provide pressure to the clutches/bands as a result.

If the engine tries to lock up, the transmission will force it to turn or die trying.

I'd expect a momentary wheel lockup.  Once the trans input isn't turning, fluid pressure will quickly decay, at which point the trans will be in neutral and the wheels will unlock.  I'm not sure if we're talking 1/10 of a second or a full second here though. 

Glad to hear that Andrew is recovering well, that was definitely a scary crash. Love the maturity and perspective that Calvin showed throughout the video! 

After thinking on this one a little longer I'm glad I have more cage than needed and probably upgrading my firesuit/gloves/boots

I think I just held my breath for 36 minutes.  Great video.  Discussion, maturity, and ending.  Heal well!

I have not had a chance to watch the video yet but the news that Andrew is home is great to hear!!!  

Any word on how Andrew is doing?  I used to see updates on FB, but either they've stopped posting, or FB has decided I don't care.

Calvin's latest video has Andrew providing an update.

Slow going, just started PT.