Flygirl1
Patrol#241FLYING
So I’m going to say those words I absolutely hate but understand more about using them now, but it is with a sad heart I have to say that N240BP has had an accident and it appears more work than feasible is necessary to bring it back. But never say never right?? The words I love to say though is Dennis survived what could have easily been unsurvivable. While climbing out on a lunch run one half of his prop departed the plane and we all know what happens next. Having him in site for the whole incident was, well hard to find the words. I do know if he hadn’t answered my radio call after landing, or flipped, or in anyway needed immediate help, I would have landed in that field. Mamma bear was watching! What he said to me was his engine blew up and he was landing on the ranch, which has lots of hay fields. Almost immediately the cowling blew apart and the top half along with the doors were pushed up against the windshield leaving him with no forward visibility. Not realizing the prop failed he did what he could do and fly the plane and do his best to not let it spin in. While setting up for the field the drag of the cowling greatly diminished his glide and the plane landed hard collapsing the landing gear and shoving the engine into the cabin causing the left rudder pedal to fracture his tibia and ankle enough to require surgery. But considering the possible outcome all I can think is a lesser pilot might have died. There are photos out there but I’m only posting what was and will be missed greatly. I talked with the salvage team after they had gathered it all up and for those considering a Bearhawk, his opinion of the plane construction was about the highest I’ve ever heard. He assured me that of all the planes he’s dismantled, and there have been many, this was the best he’s ever seen. One statement was “this plane has access panels where they need to be. Nobody does that!” It wasn’t just a quick comment to make us feel better, but repeated and in the end he almost made me promise if I ever sell mine, he wanted it. On that thought if anyone knows or has a Patrol or Bearhawk project for sale, we’re interested! DnD N240BP& N241BP
