Aircraft

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Such a shame.  Wasn't the plane a Stinson?  They stay flying pretty well, normally.

Prayers go out for the wing-walker & pilot and their families.

[litl rooster]

Jeffi it i believe was 450 hp Sternan. It has flown over ranchero del paradize on many of Sundays.. Ms Wickers I believed owned it.

[Arcey]

The AP article I read identified the airplane as a "450 HP Stearmans," registered to her. I believe that's one S too many but ennyways.

The vid is no fun ta watch.

I couldn't help but remember the docent walkin' Tom 'n me thru the museum sayin' the pilots didn't like flyin' theirs because of its relative instability. But as I admonish myself 'n others – regularly, about many things – don't base an opinion one recent event. They're frequently flown 'n the woman had pulled the same stunt before without incident.

Thinkin' it's goin' to end up judged pilot error.

[Texas Lawdog]

Most likely.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

However it turns out, it's a dang shame.

Actually, when I typed "Stinson," I MEANT "Stearman."   

And yes, Arcey - there's only ONE "S" in Stearman ... unless yer talking 'bout a gaggle of 'em!   

I'm actually puzzled by the comment you mentioned from the docent regarding:

"I couldn't help but remember the docent walkin' Tom 'n me thru the museum sayin' the pilots didn't like flyin' theirs because of its relative instability.  But as I admonish myself 'n others – regularly, about many things – don't base an opinion one recent event."

And Arcey, you ARE also right on about the one opinion from the docent.  The Stearman was the Primary flight trainer before (and perhaps DURING WWII.  I have heard that it is a "sweertheart" to fly.  I would seriously doubt that the Military (US Army Air Force & US Navy) would choose a plane that was "relatively unstable" as a training plane!  But!!! Stranger things HAVE happened!

But like the docent's comment, that's MY opinion - based primarily on my Dad's comments as well as those of other "old timey pilots" regarding learning to fly back when he was still alive.

Still a terrible shame to lose TWO lives, not to mention a classic and VERY valuable aircraft ...

[Arcey]

If it's too good to be true, it is.

Gentlemen, with regrets, I humbly and sadly report:

http://hamptonroads.com/2013/06/va-beach-museum-owner-selling-plane-collection

[litl rooster]

Boy that's ashame

[Arcey]

Yep. But we had it for awhile.

R Clarence left a comment. Y'all made the paper.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Oh, man! There goes your photo ops, Arcey.

[pony express]

 The Stearman was the Primary flight trainer before (and perhaps DURING WWII.  I have heard that it is a "sweertheart" to fly.

SHB, perhaps the 450hp conversion was what made it less stable.

I talked to a vet on my route, he trained pilots in a Stearman during WW2, I forget where he was based at, but near the Mississippi river. They had a kind of unwritten rule among them, whenever they crossed the river, they crossed inverted.

[Texas Lawdog]

I just heard that "Chuckie" had been sold to a collection in Oregon.  I hate that I am not going to see the Museum at  Pungo.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Well, DANG It, anyway!

I'm not totally surprised, however that these things happen.  The economy sure puts a hurt on everything, and having & restoring
airplanes is a VERY, VERY  expen$ive undertaking.  Look what it costs for a ride in one ... just like we were talking about just a few days or a "week-er-2" ago!


I just hope that his planes & equipment go to "good homes," so to speak.  Much like a beloved dog or other pet. 

It's getting near to the time when simply restoring and keeping an airplane on display is too costly - let alone keeping one in flying condition!  Those old planes (warplanes, that is - NOT civil craft) were only meant to be "used & abused" then $hit-canned after some combat ... they weren't made to fly for decades.  It shows how great some of these collectors really ARE, to be able to invite the public in to see their "toys" and things of that nature.

[litl rooster]

I see Mr. Clarence the cumugeron(sp) that he is, has a few thumbs up on hisself now.

I agree Jeffi

[Arcey]

Proudly, the gentleman racked up a few more dissin' givin' the good mayor of our fair city some advice on another topic too.

[Texas Lawdog]

It is a shame that the collection has to be sold off.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

It is a shame that the collection has to be sold off.

Yep.

Isn't it such a shame?  All your (and my) life, my parents kept saying "money isn't everything."  Well, it seems that money IS what rules so many things in our lives!

If I had the money, I'd sure keep at least one old Warbird flying! 



AFTER I win the Lottery, of course ...

[Texas Lawdog]

Jeff, We sure could put a lot of that lottery money in circulation.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

RIGHT!


I said that (about the Lottery, but then something else dawned on me.

Don't ya have to buy a ticket to actually WIN?







Might be WHY I never seem to win!

[Texas Lawdog]

A ticket would help win.

[Arcey]

The latest on Pungo:

http://hamptonroads.com/2013/06/virginia-beach-museum-may-have-sell-planes