I have received notice from another McCall instructor friend of mine that the pilot involved in the link below was Art Lazzarini.

Artie was a long time instructor. Last I heard he had more than twenty two thousand hours just as an instructor. Those of you that have been through any of the McCall Mountain/Canyon flying courses most would have met, and most likely got to fly with Artie.

He also wrote a book titled "Cows Blow Grass" that is a combination of a love story with some backcountry flying instruction scattered in along the way.

I will miss him.

Chris C

http://northoklahomacity.kfor.com/news/ ... city/76656


Only additional detail so far is that Artie did radio ATC that he was having trouble.

I'm speechless. That's such shocking and sad news.

Artie was an amazing instructor and great guy. Probably one of the most experienced instructors in the world.

Thank you for everything you taught me Artie.

wow
I had read his book just last month.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/9 ... ane-Crash/

Yes it is a very sad news. I had the privilege to meet Art last October in McCall at the Mountain Canyon Flying office.

Damn straight...hell of an instructor. here i sit blown away by losing Art. the small amount of flying i did with him was indeed valuable. very patient and all knowing in the back-country, at least in my book. having just recovered from a horrific bad crash coming out of simonds a couple of years ago, i am, along with a lot of other Idaho folks deeply saddened and shocked...he will indeed be missed but not forgotten as we fly in and around the middle fork...Jo

Sorry to hear this... yet another smack in the face that when it comes to what we do it really doesn't matter how good or proficient you are at it, flying can still kill you dead no matter how you play the game.

I'm speechless. That's such shocking and sad news.

Artie was an amazing instructor and great guy. Probably one of the most experienced instructors in the world.

Thank you for everything you taught me Artie.

Horrible news
Artie was also a friend. As said, such a good guy/instructor.
My condolences to his wife, family and friends.
He will certainly be missed.

Gary