L2 Down in Indiana

[Mack Dobkins]

Just an FYI. Here is the link: http://www.thekathrynreport.com/2011...ianapolis.html

Fortunately, no fatalities.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

thank u I will keep up on the investigation...

[M Towsley]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

The 'N'-number is 46089 and some pictures of it in better times are here:

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

Hope the people and the plane can return to full systems status. This is one of those to watch carefully. Too many times the insurance company decides the wreck is beyond hope and it ends up scrap. If both inside survived, there is no reason the plane can't too.
Hank

[M Towsley]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

Hank,

Though I am not one who should make a comment on this as I was usually too impatient to even rebuild one of my R/C models, this looks pretty crunched.....

Here is a link to some more pictures: http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/ne...ry=y&img=1&c=y

[Forrest Barber]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

thank you Marty, I posted a comment , lets see what caused the accident before rushing to judgement . NOT US ; Them, the unknowing).

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

It's nasty (they were lucky to survive) but I HAVE seen much worse come back to life.
At least you know it is complete! These planes are too good to let die, especially one that crumpled to save the occupants. It isn't THAT much worse than my 45 was. Would be really nice to rebuild the fuselage in a factory jig, but I doubt the original one is still around. The wings, well, there are a lot of parts there and you basically take both completely apart, throw away the worst parts and put new ones in the pile, then build two wings on new spars.
Hang the rudder on a nail in the hangar for inspiration. She CAN fly again. Just hope that the people will still want to go up in her again. Injuries to the mind can take a lot longer to heal than injuries to the body. Hoping for speedy full recoveries.
Hank

Of course you guys should know that I pulled a LOT of wrecked R/C models from the trash when I was younger and returned them to flight. Almost ANYTHING can be repaired if you are willing to do the work. Insurance companies only look at the bottom line. Don't let them scrap her out!

[M Towsley]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

Just tearing up the covering on an otherwise intact aircraft would probably 'total' her. Sooooo, this one is probably totalled.

Not sure if you noted this or not, Hank, but the owner lent the aircraft to the pilot. Looks like the owner lives in Ohio, hope he wants her back to be rebuilt.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

If he had hull insurance he should be able to buy back the wreck pretty cheap (sometimes you can have the wreck if you will just remove it from the crash site).
If he didn't have hull insurance they have nothing to say about it. You are responsible for removing the wreck after the investigators release it.
Either way it is probably worth more as parts right now to anyone who doesn't appreciate the value of a complete Taylorcraft. What we value isn't always measured in Dollars.
Hank

[cvavon]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

NTSB Identification: CEN11LA194
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, February 15, 2011 in Americus, IN
Aircraft: TAYLORCRAFT DCO-65, registration: N46089
Injuries: 2 Serious.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On February 15, 2011, approximately 1630 eastern standard time, a Taylorcraft DCO-65 single-engine airplane, N46089, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering near Americus, Indiana. The commercial pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed the Purdue University Airport (LAF), Lafayette, Indiana, approximately 1600.

According to the local authorities, the passenger reported that the pilot was executing a turn when the airplane went straight down toward the terrain. The airplane impacted the terrain in a wooded area and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the fuselage was crushed, the wings were bent and buckled, and the engine was partially separated. Flight control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces.

Index for Feb2011 | Index of months

[Forrest Barber]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

Thank u for update.
My father Alden L. Barber test flew that L-2A , ser# 0-4230, on 2-25-42 at the factory in Alliance, Oh.... up for 1 hr 20 mins... The owner and I are in communication. Pilot is still critical . Let us put him in our prayers, age 22 is just too young .

[Forrest Barber]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

I have one source that says the Pilot Tony Cole has Gone West. If true it is a real shame. Will check more tomorrow.

[M Towsley]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

Forrest,

I did some searching and have not found anything yet in that regard, but, if it just happened it probably wouldn't be out yet.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

fox59.com
Purdue pilot to be taken off life support following crash
The pilot of a plane that crashed near Americus last week is now brain dead. Purdue senior Tony Cole will be removed from life support at Methodist Hospital Friday.
By News Staff

Fox59

6:45 PM EST, February 24, 2011

Here is what I found: pretty harsh but it is a direct quote from the News Media ... I don't see when Friday; but i am going to have a long moment of silence here in Alliance at 12 noon EST. Farewell Young Aviator.


The pilot of a plane that crashed near Americus last week is now brain dead. Purdue senior Tony Cole will be removed from life support at Methodist Hospital Friday.

He and fraternity brother, Tom Williams, who is also a senior, were injured when their World War II era plane crashed nose first in the woods near Americus.

Williams is still recovering from his injuries. He will return to the Beta Theta Pi house to mourn Cole’s loss with his fraternity brothers.


Copyright © 2011, WXIN-TV added link : http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-plane...,5380956.story

[M Towsley]

Re: L2 Down in Indiana

How tragic and sad......I'll be doing the same, Forrest....