But then there was the wind. About
30 MPH with higher gusts and dust getting kicked up. As we stood in front of the
crowd, the Sport Gold race was happening. George Giboney flying the Thunder
Mustang named "Rapid Travel" declared a mayday and entered a right downwind for
26 with no power. He flew clear of the other racers before turning base. Due to
the strong winds, he ran out of altitude and landed rolling almost perpendicular
to the runway. He rolled into the dirt and then a bump which launched the plane
about 10 feet into the air. It then cart wheeled and tumbled - wings came off,
engine pulled from the fuselage and the plane appeared to settle upside down,
gear up. Everyone thought the worst. About 10 minutes later, the pilot was
announced OK. The fans cheered.