[SBeck]

I just finished writing a paper on an accident involving Czar 52, the B-52 that crashed during an airshow practice at Fairchild AFB. The 33-year old airplane was an absolute beauty and had it not been for a rogue pilot would probably still be an important part of our strategic bomber force. Truly an extrodinary airplane, the B-52 is expected to be in service until 2040.

[Crowcreek]

I've got a nice slide of that fella's hammerhead above the crowd at the Fairchild airshow the previous year. With a 'normal' lens, the B-52 almost fills the frame !! Too d*mn bad all around -- the accident . . .

[SkyPilot]

I just finished writing a paper on an accident involving Czar 52, the B-52 that crashed during an airshow practice at Fairchild AFB. The 33-year old airplane was an absolute beauty and had it not been for a rogue pilot

I won't say that "rogue pilot's" last name, but his nickname was "Bud." In short, he was a prick.

Many people refused to fly with him. The reason the squadron commander was his co-pilot that day of practice for the airshow at Fairchild was because he wouldn't let any of his people fly with this maniac.

Most pilots have type "A" personalities, but aviation requires judgement. "Bud" was an ego-centric jerk. He once flew a B-52 about 20 feet off the desert floor. Photographers on the ground were almost hit! People feigned stomach flu or other aliments to avoid flying with him. "Bud" parked his car illegally on base wherever he felt like it--just to be a jerk. He never listened to anyone. He thought he was "the world's greatest pilot." Yeah - right.

If you go to an airshow today--and it seems boring: NO flybys, no acrobatics, no excitement, thank "Bud." He put that B-52 into a 90 degree bank at 200 feet, and killed several good men in the process. Right in front of many of their families (by the way who were videotaping the practice show).