Backcountry Pilot

[skybobb offline]

our own pilot tcraft-- Shawn Coleman had an accident with his Taylor Craft a few days ago. I understand that someone drove a 4-wheeler out on the runway as he was taking off or landing and he attempted to steer wide to miss the person on the fourwheeler and clipped a tree with his wing. I understand that the plane was totaled. That is too bad as he just had the engine overhauled. Shawn is a great young man. I hope I have this right as I got the information second hand. Bob

[Skylane offline]

Bob,

Let me know via pm if you hear anything else. I've known Shawn for better than 10 years and he has flown with me quite a few times. Most of it when I had the Skywagon. Been to the Air Races a couple times together too.

I'll try and email him at home, or call if I still have his number.

C ya, Bub

PS, when you going to fly over and bring the 180 seat back, and I could by you lunch?

[Zzz]

That is heartbreaking... glad it happened on the ground and he is ok (or so it sounds like.)

[skybobb offline]

Yes, He is ok as far as I know, I heard he is trying to locate another aircraft. I hope he finds a good one, he deserves it. Bob

[tcraft offline]

thanks everybody,

I really appreciate it. Losing my airplane has probably been one of the toughest things I've ever experienced, hopefully I will have a new plane soon.

Bob pretty much has it right. I held my line on take off due to an ATV, assuming I would have clearance of the trees. "My mistake." In between 4 and 8 feet off the ground cartwheeled off the runway, and pretty much destroyed my plane.

The things I've learned from this would be pay very close attention to your wing clearances when landing or taking off near trees never assume that just because you're on the runway, and/or tracking it that you are going to clear everything like a crop duster friend recently told me trust yourself. Only and to hell with everybody else.

Hope everyone here can learn from my accident, I have, already talked with three or four people that have had similar situations happen to them and i know many of you here have been faced with similar circumstances.
and after going through this, I sure wouldn't want it to happen to anyone else
my taylorcraft was pretty much my best friend. So this has been pretty tough, but I do appreciate everyone's thoughts. Thanks.

Shawn

[OregonMaule offline]

Shawn, I'm really glad your ok. I met you at Owyhee this year. I took some pictures of you taking off. I miss placed your business card. If you PM me your address I'll send you a CD.

As you look for your next plane check out the Just Aircraft - Highlander.
phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2817&highlight=highlander

Cheers...Rob

[Skystrider offline]

Shawn, I to am glad your okay. It is always scary to have an accident like that. I am sure you are shaking it off because you are already looking for a new airplane!

It is tough to keep a good pilot down (on the ground that is!).

Good luck and enjoy the process of buying another plane! That is always fun!

[hotrod180 offline]

Sorry to hear about the crash but glas you're OK. Was this a takeoff from an off-airport type location, where an ATV had some business being? Or at an airport? What happened with (or to) the ATV operator?

Eric

[tcraft offline]

yes it was not an official airport just a private strip and everyone is ok
shawn

[Skylane offline]

Hey Shawn,

If you might need a co-pilot on your trip keep me in mind

I'd be more than happy to go.

C ya, Bub

[skybobb offline]

If I am not helping my friend driving onion truck I would help also. Let me know. Bob