Bearcat Accident in Breckenridge, 4/4/12

[JOHN MILLER]

My brother and I got involved in warbirds after watching a video of Mr. Pardue and his corsairs. RIP Howard and godspeed.

[CAPFlyer]

I was stunned when I saw the Twitter & Facebook posts earlier today and didn't have time to really process it or reply until now. I never met Howard directly, but I got to see his demonstrations on a couple of occasions and knew about him through the people I got the privilege to hang out with over the years. Those who've said that he was larger than life is exactly my thoughts. A guy who did so much for warbirds that he didn't really have to be introduced and didn't have to talk to you for you to understand how important they were to him.

The only solace I have is that he's probably tearing it up right now with Guy Joe, Lefty, and the rest of the gang.

[spookythecat]

What kit is that? I need to get it

It's a 1/72 HobbyBoss kit with out of print decals. Hopefully Draw Decal will re-release them in the future.

[Fleet16b]

I am getting reports this morning that Howard Pardue has died in a take off accident in his Bearcat
This is very sad news and a great loss to the Aviation community.
Howard was a long time supporter of our air shows up here in Canada.
One year we made him an "Honorary Canadian " and I remember his saying in part of his acceptance speech " I'm a Texan first and an American second"
An awesome pilot and performer that has passed doing what he loved best

[Steve S]

Sadly yes this is true. See the bearcat accident in Breckinridge TX thread that is already several pages long.

A huge loss.

[Elroy13]

Words cant discribe how I felt yesterday once I heard the news. Godspeed Howard.

[Fleet16b]

Thanks Steve
I missed the other thread that had been started
My condolences to the Pardue family

[jbell]

I have this '70's era photo I took at "Spirit of St. Louis" airport. I was never sure of the Corsairs origin, but I now assume it was Howards? Amusing humor!........John

[mike furline]

http://www.reporternews.com/news/2012/a ... ane-crash/

[Scott Rose]

Please lets keep speculation to a minimum, we will have more information soon. Lets not let this thread degenerate into WAGs and blame throwing.

Also, I have and will continue to merge threads on this incident to keep all the info in one place.

[B 25 C]

Rest in Peace Mr Pardue. A great loss for sure.

[Sgt13Echo]

Thoughts and prayers to Howard's family and friends. It truly is a sad day and nice to see people thinking of the man, his family, memories of him and not the loss of a plane. Even though both are a tragic loss, one is much greater than the other.

[ME108 Taifun]

So very sad to hear of Howard's passing. I first met Howard when I was 16 (nearly 30 years ago now), after my parents and I got involved with the CAF. I have spent many an airshow with him and his phenomenal airplanes. I'll never forget times spent at the Breckinridge show nor will I ever forget Howard and Carl Payne together in the O'Club down in Harlingen. Precious memories. God Speed (Uncle) Howard Pardue! Tailwinds always...(the Fuel Lady).

[spookyboss]

darn shame Howard was a Great guy and Great Pilot ! He will be missed R.I.P.

[Michel Lemieux]

Just a sad ending....for such a great visionary of the wardirds movement......

RIP & Blue Sky sir.....

Michel