Posted by Collin on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 @ 12:53 PM:
July 31 2009,
Italian Pilot Mr. Riccardo Spadoni was killed in his RF4D (D-KIRE) in the Alps. More info later.
My condolences to his family.
Collin
Posted by flyingkroeger on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 @ 06:53 PM:
http://en.calameo.com/read/0000610589f5b198824f9
From this German article it appears that the RF4D flew straight into the mountain. Visibility was good at the time of the accident. Investigations are continuing.
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
BR
Tim
Posted by jb92563 on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 @ 10:31 AM:
A fellow pilot meeting an untimely demise is always a sad day.
The only consolation is that he was doing something that he enjoyed when his number came up.
That is all any of us can hope for.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Ray
Posted by eugenio on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 @ 11:38 AM:
He was on the way to join us for the UK CFI meeting, we were in Le Touquet when we were told the notice.
Probably a low speed and some distraction were the causes. This may be a warning to all of us who fly over the mountains, remember that our nice ships are glider and you should not count on your engine to gain height or you have good chances to do the same. And more, do not try to pass low because you have good chances to find downwinds that puts you down.
cheers
Eugenio
Posted by Donald on Saturday, August 8, 2009 @ 03:35 AM:
I met Riccardo last year when CFI flew to Scotland. We were all weathered in on Islay for several days and he was a genial companion. Very sad news.
Donald
Posted by Bob Grimstead on Friday, August 14, 2009 @ 11:46 AM:
Hi Guys,
This is really sad.
I recently read that the world-famous aviation record-breaker Steve Fossett was blown to the ground in his Decathlon by a downdraught in the mountains.
It can happen to any one of us.
Take care out there.
Yours, Bob
[Edit by Bob Grimstead on Friday, August 14, 2009 @ 11:49 AM]
