T-6 being reported down off Florida coast

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 06, 2010 8:59 pm

Apparently part of a formation. Only a bit of debris found so far. Stories say the other members of the flight circled the area to lead rescuers in.

http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/86719672.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/0...ashes-off.html

http://www.pnj.com/article/20100306/NEWS01/100306002

http://www.panhandleparade.com/index...ty/mbb7721837/

Ryan

CAPFlyer · **Posted:** Sat Mar 06, 2010 9:11 pm

Of all the pictures to use, that first link shows a shark-fin B-17. I had to post a comment on that one. It's worse than they normally are with this kind of stuff and it's just shameful. If you don't know what the thing looks like - don't post a picture.

The news looks bad, so my condolences to the family and friends of those who were most probably lost.

Stoney · **Posted:** Sat Mar 06, 2010 9:14 pm

Evan Zeiger and his wife were killed today when they crashed their T-6 in Destin, FL.

Oscar Duck · **Posted:** Sun Mar 07, 2010 3:49 am

RIP.

Condolences to all.

B-25 C · **Posted:** Sun Mar 07, 2010 8:49 am

RIP My condolences to there family.

Robbie Stuart · **Posted:** Sun Mar 07, 2010 11:08 am

Very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts & prayers go to all affected.
Robbie

LKS · **Joined:** Sun Dec 20, 2009 10:51 am **Posts:** 13

Great...

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/res...each-rosa.html

Quote:

Destin resident Bill Padawer witnessed the five planes take off from Destin Airport at about 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

“The last four planes taxied down the runway, in 2’s; side-by-side during takeoff. I don’t think this procedure is allowed by the FAA,” Padawer wrote in an e-mail to the Daily News. “Also, these pilots frequently fly low and perform various ‘stunts’ all around the neighborhoods near the Destin airport.

“These pilots are not air show professionals, just a bunch of ‘rich kids’ playing with their toys on the weekends,” Padawer continued. “I don't think they should be flying almost wingtip to wingtip in close formation under any condition or location.”

Pogmusic · **Posted:** Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:27 am

Obviously Bill Padawer has a bone to pick with the T-6 drivers. Being from that area, I'd be more adverse to the Banner Towing A/C constantly flying over the area. I think some village is looking for him...

vg-photo · **Posted:** Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:27 am

What a shame. Condolences to the families.

mlenoch · **Posted:** Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:50 am

Warning: Wreckage photos.

http://thedestinlog.emeraldcoastphotosw ... ubAlbums=0

Not sure of the source.
VL

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Wed Mar 10, 2010 1:56 pm

Very sad, its how aviation can go from great fun to a tragedy in moments.

As for the man complaining, its too bad the pilots could not have met and talked to him, maybe made a friend.

A T-6 makes a lot of noise on takeoff and low passes at high rpm. It can attract a lot of attention and has the ability to make friends or enemies.

If you are going to fly low or do acro, you should do it away from populated areas, for safety and so as not to annoy folks. I think Destin likely has some older retired people there who may be extra noise sensitive.

Stoney · **Posted:** Wed Mar 10, 2010 2:49 pm

I talked to one of the guys in the flight and he said they were in extended trail off shore and lead called for a re-join, Evan didn't and then they got a radio call that a plane had crashed in the water. They had been at about 800' to 1000', sounds looks like it may have been a stall/spin, having been in a situation similar once myself I know how you can be looking out at the planes in front of you and lose track of the ball and speed. No acro involved.

marine air · **Posted:** Thu Mar 11, 2010 1:23 am

The Zeigers have a daughter that is a student here in Nashville at Vanderbilt University. I have gotten a couple of emails , but did not know them. Her life just got a lot tougher.

Randy Haskin · **Posted:** Thu Mar 11, 2010 5:08 am

Stoney wrote:

I talked to one of the guys in the flight and he said they were in extended trail off shore and lead called for a re-join, Evan didn't and then they got a radio call that a plane had crashed in the water. They had been at about 800' to 1000', sounds looks like it may have been a stall/spin, having been in a situation similar once myself I know how you can be looking out at the planes in front of you and lose track of the ball and speed. No acro involved.

Does FAST not have a minimum altitude for Extended Trail operations?

vg-photo · **Posted:** Thu Mar 11, 2010 6:38 am

I couldn't find anything specific for close trail formation flying in the FAST material I have on-hand (I don't have everything though). I would imagine that minimum altitudes wouldn't be lower than FAA VFR minimums. Most of you know about the regs, bu for those who don't (or were afraid to ask), here is an excerpt on minimums. I will ask one of the FAST check pilots I know.

Quote:

Minimum Altitudes
Over a heavily populated area, the legal minimum altitude 1000 feet above the highest
obstacle within a 2000-foot radius.
Over open water or sparsely populated areas, there is no minimum altitude, although a
pilot must remain at least 500 feet from any person, vehicle, or structure.
Everywhere else, and that means lightly populated areas, the minimum altitude is 500
feet above the surface.
You may fly below these minimum altitudes when taking off and landing.

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T-6 being reported down off Florida coast

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