BC12D propping accident

[paulnuss]

Around 12:45 EDT Sunday, Mike Horowitz was propping his Taylorcraft BC12-D at the Altoona-Blair Co. Airport, and it started and got away from him. The throttle was set relatively high when it started; Mike hung on desperately as it went round and round. It wiped out the tail of a Penn-Air Piper Warrior trainer, then got away completely and crashed into a hangar. The prop is splintered, and wings and tail surfaces and tail cone are bent. Mike was taken from the scene by ambulance. His injuries may not be too severe, I was told. Witnesses said the airplane ran over him in some way. I don't know any more yet than that yet, but will report when and if I hear more.

I was working in the yard when he flew over on arrival. I was bemoaning not being able to go the Taylorcraft reunion this year, and wondered if this airplane were returning home from Alliance. (edited by moderator)

My Dad always told me that one should learn from the mistakes of others; a fellow doesn't have time in life to make all the mistakes himself!

[alwaysoar]

Re: BC12D propping accident

This is really sad. Mike is a great guy. He just got his plane going again. He has participated in almost every thread, and made dozens of postings. There are numerous postings about hand propping that surely he read. What could he have been thinking?

[paulnuss]

Re: BC12D propping accident

I just spoke with Mike Horowitz on the phone. He has been admitted to the Altoona Hospital, room 521B, but is in good shape. The airplane dragged him around and around a couple times, and he is all skinned up. It rolled over him, but didn't seem to break anything. His wife is on her way to offer him sympathy and fetch him home when he is released. The airplane with his clothes and flight bags, etc. has been "impounded" until the FAA (Friendly Aviation Administration) investigates the accident.

[ROllerton]

Re: BC12D propping accident

I know we all wish Mike the best, and fast recovery from this.

Now is the time for all the forum members to come together to help Mike get through this, dust him off and back on his feet, and then back into the air.


bob.,

[paulp]

Re: BC12D propping accident

Howdy Tribe,

Mike, Sorry about the incident. However, remember, if you are above ground and breathing in and out, everything else is an easy slide!!!

Glad to know that you are OK-Now, what do we need to do to get the Tcraft back in the air?

Uh-oh! Forgot about the wife. If it were me, I would say that I observed three rabid racoons that were preparing to attack two small children and while attempting to rescue same, things got out of hand!!!

(the important thing is that you must say this with a straight face)

[denny]

Re: BC12D propping accident

Hey Guy,

(edited by the Forum Moderator)

Since Mike is in the hospital this will be classified as an accident and the local FSDO will be looking into it.



Stache

[Forrest Barber]

Re: BC12D propping accident

Oh boy and we were so proud of Mike being the first one in on Thurs. and then this..... Darn it . I did not get to greet him farewell that day. Anyone in contact keep us informed.

[94973]

Re: BC12D propping accident

The WAG-Aero catalog arrived in the mail today, and I logged on to ask if anyone has used the tow hook kit in a BC12D (page 31 in the catalog) for holding their aircraft while propping. I'm very sorry to hear about Mike. I hope he (and the aircraft) are fixed and flying soon.

Jack
94973

[Floorian]

Re: BC12D propping accident

I'm new on this forum, but I hate to hear this. It's bad that his plane is tore up.

(edited by the Forum Moderator)

I don't blame him for hanging on to his plane, though. 99% of all airplane owners would've done anything and everything we could to keep the airplane from getting damaged.

[Robert Lees]

Re: BC12D propping accident

That's sad news. Perhaps, Paul, you might let Mike know we are all thinking of him, and that I look forward to sharing another cigar with him after his recovery.

Rob
p.s.

tied down in the hangar

Not perhaps the best idea (too much FOD, and not considerate to any other hangar occupiers. Better to tie down outside.

[Floorian]

Re: BC12D propping accident

I didn't mean the big hangars with several aircraft in them, I meant the small, personal hangers.

[VictorBravo]

Re: BC12D propping accident

BTW, I STRONGLY urge everyone who posted here to re-edit and even truncate your posts, so that this forum CANNOT be used as a source of any finger pointing.

'stache is right, someone could easily use this forum to call something or some actions into question, and make it harder for Mike in some way. I don't want to see anyone using the posts from this group against anyone officially.

There is a time to debate, a time to grandstand on a soapbox, and a time to close ranks. Now's the time to close ranks IMHO.

Bill

[mhorowit]

Re: BC12D propping accident

Thanks to everyone for good wishes; especially thanks to Paul who came to the hospital with the NASA safety form, helped me fill it out, and got it into the mail.

I'm at home, very sore and abraided, having been drug across the asphalt for about :04.

During it's journey, the right wing hit the vertical stab. of another a/c, rolled over me several times (fortunately prop passed over me) before it nosed into the door of a hanger, splintering the prop and coming to a stop.

Insurace stuff today and getting new glasses, also phone call to my regular doctor to discuss treatment.

Somehow I'll have to get it trailered from Altoona to here, but that's a worry for next week.

Up until the accident, it was the most beautiful flying day I had ever had. - Mike

[CraigH]

Re: BC12D propping accident

Mike,
Very sorry to hear about your ordeal. Hope everything heals up OK and you're able to get your bird put back into shape with minimal grief from the Feds and other parties.

Best wishes!

[Richard Boyer]

Re: BC12D propping accident

Gosh Mike, my heart hurts for you man.

I am going to look at this positively though, you are still around to type to, and that above all is a blessing! You will be in our prayers! Now get back up in the air again!


Richard Boyer
N95791