Accident sonex N97GR

[fastj22]

There's an update.
https://www.gofundme.com/PaulL

[Bryan Cotton]

That sounds really bad.

[mike.smith]

I just sent in a donation. I'm a sucker for helping my fellow man.

[DCASonex]

Thanks for the link, also adding a contribution. But just bugs me to see another brain damage from crash.

Reason for this one is not known, but now that hydraulic brakes are available from Sonex, and conversion to electric flaps is at least semi-common, no reason not to arrange controls so that pilot can fly all flight maneuvers, including landing, with shoulder belts tight. Some may have long enough arms that this is not a problem with original system, but not all of us.

Fly safe

David A.

[kevin814]

I don't have a facebook account, but please consider passing this along to your friends as you see fit. I'm sure Paul and his family would appreciate all the help they can get, and this would truly be a good deed to help a good guy. He's in my thoughts, and I keep thinking "that could have been me".

[vwglenn]

I wouldn't put any value on the flaps being down. It looks like the emergency crew may have cut him out of the plane and the flap handle is no longer in contact with the detents. Judging by the prop condition the engine may have not been turning. Often, when you see a tail with a torsional deflection like that (sort of like wringing out a towel), it will indicate a spin with a pretty severe impact but, once again, it's possible the first responders may have done that damage. I can't see any gouges in the dirt or damage to the trees behind the plane in any of the pics. It was, in fact, pretty darn windy Thursday and Friday.

I hope Paul pulls through.

[fastj22]

NTSB prelim report is out. Looks like they are focusing on fuel exhaustion.
http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviat ... 1707&key=1

[Ercoupechris]

Thats a shame....

[fastj22]

One thing the report doesn't make sense. They say he departed at 0820 for a two hour flight, but crashed at 1245. Either those times are wrong, or he made an intermediate stop along the way. Jab3300s are thirsty even at economy cruise. No way to get a 4.5 hour range unless you really pull back.

[WaiexN143NM]

Hi all,
Just saw an update for Paul Laurent on the go fund me page. Very slow progress. The next step is to get him home. I made another donation. Good luck to Paul.
See www.kathrynsreport.com

WaiexN143NM
Michael