mike cap

Really off topic other than it involves transportation and a fine piece of machinery ruined through carelessness.

I know there are a number of pilots here at RL, so a quick story to go with the photos. A few years ago I sold N7257W my 1987 Beech Bonanza and it ended up with some lawyers out of the Nashville area. My mechanic and I had loved on that plane for the ten plus years of ownership and it was certainly the finest A36 on earth when I sold it. Kind of like our 993's only with wings and a bigger air-cooled engine in front..... I had many hours of enjoyment flying and working on this plane. Just like the 993.

Last week I got a call from an aviation friend down south who told me to go to AviationChat. Yes, the pilots managed to land long and hot at an airport in North Carolina and destroyed a beautiful piece of machinery. The two souls on board survived with some minor injuries. I have more photos and a video of the post-crash. I will say that Beech built one tough and rugged airframe - the airplane want off the end of a runway and down an hill on to an access road. The cabin was basically undamaged and there was no fire.

No real point to this sad story - just a sentimental post and a toast to a really great airplane destroyed for no good reason. Funny how we get attached to cars and planes.....

Photos below of N7257W in happier days and last week.

six gun

She was a beauty Mike, bet you wished you had kept her.

mike cap

Thanks Six - you aren't kidding. I was so busy with work and cycling at the time that my flying time went down. But I still have the hangar, didn't need the money....just a plain dumb *** decision.

Blue TTop

Having barely survived a crash last year I am fascinated with all accident stories.

six gun

You will get all you want from this.

http://planecrashinfo.com/lastwords.htm

993/907

That was indeed a BEAUTIFUL A36!

Gordo

mike cap

I would think that would be the last topic you'd be interested in. Were you involved in a commercial or general aviation aircraft accident?

NC TRACKRAT

Bummer! What a waste! Back in the late '60's and early '70's, I was a vendor to Beech, Cessna, Boeing and Lear Jet in Wichita. Had full access to all the plants and can attest to the high quality and durability of Beechcraft. Don't know if it's common knowledge but back then, all Beechcraft employees were required to be a passenger in one of their planes at least once a year....A great incentive for everyone to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
This classic line is most appropriate: "Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect."

RudyP

Nice plane. Sorry to see it banged up.

I can't imagine selling my plane unless I was upgrading to something faster.

Blue TTop

It was a general aviation accident. It was our Company plane (Cessna 206 with floats). We were coming in for a landing on water, cleared by the tower, weather looked good. At about 70 knots we hit a microburst that lifted the left side such that the right wing tip caught the water. Cartwheels, etc..... came to a rest upside down in water and covered in fuel. Wing damage resulted in stuck doors. Three people uninjured. Person next me was killed. I was busted up and nearly drowned. Many complications due to Av-gas in my lungs. I'm all back together thanks to a good surgeon, a bunch of stainless steel hardware, and a cadaver bone. I am lucky and grateful and am about 95% back to where I was prior.

I hope I don't take this thread off track. Apologies to the OP.

NP993

Wow. That is insane. Glad you made it.

EMBPilot

how do u over run so bad in a SEL bug smasher?
For me, twin engine jet fuel types built in Seattle, only...

Falcondrivr

I love bonanzas. Spent many hours in them back in the 80s... Never be afraid to go around in any airplane if it doesn't look right.

Quadcammer

If it ain't boeing, I ain't going

mjsporsche

Unless it is part of the Allegiant fleet out of Oakland Airport.