I saw his plane on Barnstormers for sale and it says "built by the late Ben Haas" ???? Perhaps it was discussed here but I must have missed it.

https://backcountrypilot.org/features/c ... nith-ch801

I ran into him in Jackson a few times. Interesting and intelligent dude. Hope I'm wrong. RIP if not

That's quite an airplane:

http://www.barnstormers.com/listing_ima ... id=1249313

I'm sorry to hear that if it's true.

Did his ranch/airstrip up in, Merna, Wyoming ever sell?

https://skyvector.com/airport/2WY3/Haas-Airport

Don't know.... I did text him last year at some point, something about buying him breakfast since he wouldn't take any money for the 5 gallons of mogas i got from him when I dropped in a few years earlier. Never got a response. I remember him telling me to hurry the hell out, as "the black helicopters", were spotted and that was the precursor to VP Cheney dropping in. Sorry to hear it if so. His plane, for those who got to see in person and closeup, had a wealth of detail, not only super sanitary but more important super mechanical wizardy with all kinds of trick things going on. There is some kind of solace, in that when some one like him, or Bob Hoover, passes away from probably natural causes, it is a victory over NOT screwing up while flying, make sense?

Hope not. Really used to enjoy visiting with he, DonC, highcountry, Portage Creek, and the gang on the old chat room.

Someone asked me this evening if I knew whether this was true or not, so I resumed Googling it after giving up when this thread was first posted. This time I came upon a Pilots of America thread that confirmed that BCP member Ben Haas AKA Stol, did pass away in 2016. The cause of his death is not public, so it remains a mystery.

Ben was active on BCP in the early years, and I really enjoyed his presence here. If you've read the initial post here, you're familiar with his airplane and the article/video. Ben was a great guy and I'm glad I was able to meet him in person and go flying with him. His airplane was incredible and a true standout among auto conversion engines in experimental aviation. He was proud of it and I was happy to give him some more exposure.

I wish his passing received a little more attention and he was able to get the aviation community memorial he deserved. RIP and tailwinds into the next dimension, my friend.

Z

Thanks for letting us know Zane.

I didn't know Ben, but I did know of his plane.

It always hits pretty hard when a fellow aviator dies, even if I didn't know him much.

Clear skies and tailwinds, Ben

Thanks.

I first met Ben back in 2008. Great guy! RIP
Ben's creation. All aluminum V8. Turn up the volume.

What a bummer! Had dinner with him almost 4 years ago when I passed through Jackson, WY. He was a great guy and enjoyed many of his stories, especially the story of being banned from any NASCAR event for getting caught with a cheater engine. LOL

Like Zane said, wish we had known earlier. But I respect his families wishes.

RIP Ben.......