Legendary pilot Scott Crossfield's body found in plane wreckage.

CNN/AP | 4/20/06

[Names Ash Housewares]

Breaking on CNN web page from AP report.

[RJS1950]

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.

[narby]

Its possible too he simply died of natural causes in flight. Not a bad way to go for a pilot as long as no harm done on the ground.

There were thunderstorms in the area. The number of pilots who crash because of physical problems are documented to be minuscule. Even old pilots.

[dinoparty]

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.

[oxcart]

Thank you, that is a fantastic vid! Got any more good ones?

[hattend]

Just damn, one more of my heroes have gone.

Rest in Peace, Mr Crossfield.

[Names Ash Housewares]

"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.

[oxcart]

I worked for Triton Aviation 81-82 if my gray matter is working correctly. Then names of the FBO's change so frequently it's hard to keep track of them. The Tulakes elementary school is still there I think.

[Dashing Dasher]

You know I do.

;-)

I'll check and post or FReepMail the weirder ones.

[oxcart]

Then = The

[Steelerfan]

Thoughts and prayers for him and his family.

[Uncle Fud]

His routine is the stuff of legends

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?

[Names Ash Housewares]

"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.

[Dashing Dasher]

Check FReepMail.

[P-Marlowe]

At least he died doing something he loved...

The same can be said of drug addicts who die of overdoses.

[Loud Mime]

this thread did not deserve that comment....

[Muzzle_em]

I agree.
Few things are more depressing than nursing homes.

[Muzzle_em]

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.

[Muzzle_em]

ROFL

[OpusatFR]

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.