ODS Tracker down at MCAS Cherry Point...no fatalities

Jase · **Posted:** Fri May 04, 2007 9:44 pm

I'd like to thank all posters for doing the right thing, and not armchair quarterbacking and speculating on causes of this accident. Believe me when I tell y'all that it is deeply appreciated.

Please continue the positive thoughts and prayers though...They're still needed by a couple of folks who have a road ahead of 'em.

Thanks again.

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 746

As we said on the telephone earlier, Jase. I couldn't agree more.

The whys and hows of this accident will come out soon enough. Right now, the condition of these fine folks is what is paramount.

coldaffyduck · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 6:40 am

Here is an update for everybody; 3 crew members are back home in VA, one member should be released from the hospital today, and it looks like the fifth crew member will be in the hospital for several more weeks. Also here are some photos taken from the crash scene. These pics really show how lucky the crew are.

RickH · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 6:48 am

Thanks for the update, Craig. Our guys down here are particularly interested since we are close to flying our Tracker.

I was worried that you were aboard, glad to hear you are OK as well as the flight crew members.

Taylor Stevenson · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 6:56 am

Man, look at the wire wrapped around the hub!!! God was looking down on those 5...

TimAPNY · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 9:00 am

Those pictures make me want to cry, but I think I'm just very happy that crew were able to get out and away. And beleive me my prayers are for a full recovery for the crew.

Tim

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 746

Thanks for the update Craig. If you have any more news on Buck, give me a shout on the cell...

Shay · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 11:10 am

It's shame for sure but the Tracker can be replaced....the crew can not.

It's too bad all warbirds accidents can't end this way....aircraft lost ....crew safe.

I wish them all a speedy recovery.

I know this might be a little premature, but what are the chances of ODS replacing the Tracker? Doesn't DMAFB still have a few? Raytheon has quite a few I believe aswell.

Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

Rob Mears · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 11:35 am

I'm stunned that everyone survived that crash, fire or not! No doubt the crew made the right decisions given their dire circumstance. Whoever the pilot was, he should be commended for keeping his crew alive, given the hand he was dealt.

As for Trackers, there are quite a few surplus airframes floating around the country and their relative value is still extremely low IMO. The warbird community definitely did not drop the ball when it came to preserving the Tracker population when the type came up for disposal.

A few years back, I remember spotting an example that had been flown into the airport at Rolla, Missouri and essentially mothballed on the tarmac. The owner(s) were asking an surprisingly low amount for the plane according to the lady at the FBO. Not sure what ever happened to that one.

Forgotten Field · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 1:29 pm

Tom Reilly has a tracker. I think it is on display somewhere but I think he would probably part with it. It looked like a nice airframe when I saw it.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 1:44 pm

Thank god that everyone made it out!

RMAllnutt · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 2:40 pm

I don't know how I missed this story for so long... I am so glad that the crew are safe... it seems a miracle considering things! I hope that they are all recovering well, and can be home again soon. I wish the ODS well too... it will hit them very hard. Is there anything we can do for the squadron, besides the obvious?

Richard

cott · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 2:56 pm

Holy smokes...

I am amazed everyone got out of that alive, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

Bummer about the airplane. She was a beauty.

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 746

Well, I understand they are having their Hangar Dance soon, so if you can make it, by all means, go! I'm sure they could use the support to get back in the air (C-60 Lodestar).

Craig, why dont you post the details for these fine folks...?

Jake Fendermen · **Posted:** Mon May 07, 2007 8:50 pm

The S-2 at Rolla is owned by Wes Stricker and has sat inactive for about 10 years. No doubt it needs a couple of engines due to inactivity. It was also heavily damaged a few years ago when a Pepsi truck ran into the left rear side causing major skin damage. Otherwise, it is a complete aircraft. Jake.

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ODS Tracker down at MCAS Cherry Point...no fatalities

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