Posted on 04/20/2006 11:09:00 AM PDT by Names Ash Housewares
This guy was no amateur, professional/military test pilot his entire life. Accidents happen and if you do one thing over a long period of time the statistics of failure can catch up with you no matter how good you are.
There were thunderstorms in the area. The number of pilots who crash because of physical problems are documented to be minuscule. Even old pilots.
Oh please. My point was not demeaning to anything. It was simply a fact. For example: "Lots of people die in car crashes." Is the statement of that fact (and the statement that car driving is dangerous) "demeaning" to people who drive cars? I think not.
Just damn, one more of my heroes have gone.
Rest in Peace, Mr Crossfield.
"The number of pilots who crash because of physical problems are documented to be minuscule. Even old pilots."
No question it is rare. But that being said someone died this way just east of Gillespie field a few years back. Heart attack.
Also another fellow lost conciousness but awoke after he was too far over the ocean to fly back and had to ditch but was rescued.
These are just some local regional incidents from the last few years that come to mind.
Also the N. Las Vegas incident where the pilot died of heart failure (I think it was heart) after take off and a passenger with glider experience was able to do a gear up landing.
So it occurs from time to time. An older pilot just makes me think its more probable.
You know I do.
;-)
I'll check and post or FReepMail the weirder ones.
Then = The
Thoughts and prayers for him and his family.
Got that right. I remember eight-point rolls, into a dead engine, down on the deck.
Ever see the inside the cockpit film of Hoover flying his routine with a full glass of water on the glareshield?
"That's not much of an endorsement. There's and old saying, "What do you call a motorcycle rider? An organ donor."
I know. But as I said. its as safe as you make it.
You can minimize risk.
Check FReepMail.
The same can be said of drug addicts who die of overdoses.
this thread did not deserve that comment....
I agree.
Few things are more depressing than nursing homes.
A former AF pilot told me that a few years ago, forget what state, several AF couples were on an AF plane and one of the pilots let his wife (who was not a pilot) take the controls. The plane crashed and they all died.
ROFL
I spend my volunteer time with nursing home residents, some who are doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists bright, bright people now jibbering and incontinent and hating every moment of their dependency and the indignity of having to have their diapers changed by uncaring staff.
I think dying while doing something you love is a Grace.
I hope I'm granted that same Grace.
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