I'm an ES builder/flyer.  It always hits me hard whenever a fellow Lancair flyer is lost.  I remember what a flight instructor told me, "When the engine quits, the plane belongs to the insurance company now."  That's much easier to deal with when you own an Archer, when you can find another one in Trade a Plane.  I'm not sure I could put it down in a field and take the damage and fight the urge to stretch the glide to an out of reach airport.

 

I noticed his panel had a Chelton.  Doesn't the Chelton display glide range graphically?  I wonder if his Chelton was showing that he could make the airport.  I wonder if the Chelton game him the confidence to fly into a densely populated area instead of staying clear of the city.

 

My mind is always busy with questions after I hear about an accident.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

 

Mike Easley

Colorado Springs

ES