Russell Group ME 109 Take Off Incident (no injuries)

[Matt Gunsch]

all talks and mention of FAA FARs are a mute point, the incident happened in Canada, and Transport Canada rules apply.

[Steve Nelson]

I think this should be a fairly easy repair depending on how far outboard that panel behind the slat goes.

Heck, it's Canada..just get ol' Red to come over and patch 'er up with some duct tape.

SN

[vernicator]

all talks and mention of FAA FARs are a moot point, the incident happened in Canada, and Transport Canada rules apply.

Does anyone happen to know what parts of the CARS were infracted upon? I'm sure there is something about deliberatly endangering the flight of an aircraft in there.

[Fleet16b]

I fly my Fleet Finch into the Russell strip frequently.
Last year we became aware of the obstructions that we put up on the next property.
Here is the an accurate description of the issue so as to quell any rumors etc.
At the end of runway 19 . on the next property, two metal poles were erected. One approx 60 ft and one 40 ft.
They were deliberately erected as to obstruct a/c t/off and landings.
Why? without getting into details, there was a disagreement between Mr Russell and the individual.
Upon landing there and having to avoid the poles, I informed Transport Canada of the danger and they were aware of it.
Now for the facts.
From Transport Canada: although they are aware of the situation , the Russell airstrip is a Private Field not an Airport. It is not subject to the same laws as an Airport which means that any surrounding property owner can do as they please ie metal poles towers etc.
Transport Canada has no jurisdiction therefore cannot tell the owner to remove the obstruction.
Unfortunately it has taken an incident like what happened to the ME109 to bring this to further action. The Police are involved in the investigation which is now underway. TSB is also investigating along with Transport Canada as this is now an "aviation incident"
There have been no statements as to whether charges will be laid at this point only rumors of " criminal intent" charges.
We will have to wait and see.
However, IMHO anyone wanting to go up against a guy that beat Disney in court should really think twice. I hope Mr Russell sues his ass off.

[retroaviation]

Sorry for my ignorance of Canadian Law, but does it have a Criminal Court and a Civil Court? In other words, just because the neighbor can't get into any trouble criminally (like when O.J. was found "not guilty"), can he be found responsible in a civil court (like when O.J. was found "guilty"......or at least "responsible")?

Gary

[Fleet16b]

Sorry for my ignorance of Canadian Law, but does it have a Criminal Court and a Civil Court? In other words, just because the neighbor can't get into any trouble criminally (like when O.J. was found "not guilty"), can he be found responsible in a civil court (like when O.J. was found "guilty"......or at least "responsible")?

Gary

Good point Gary, we'll see what happens

[Simcoe Warrior]

Sorry for my ignorance of Canadian Law, but does it have a Criminal Court and a Civil Court? In other words, just because the neighbor can't get into any trouble criminally (like when O.J. was found "not guilty"), can he be found responsible in a civil court (like when O.J. was found "guilty"......or at least "responsible")?

Gary

And in keeping with the OJ reference, Ed Russell hired Johnny Cochrane in his suit against Disney, I wonder which ambulance he'll sick on this bozo.

[Chad Veich]

From the pictures of the poles on the previous page it would appear that if you were not high enough to clear them you might be in danger of flying through some trees too!

[Dave Cheeseman]

Here is a pic's from 2008

Notice on the first the extension on the wooden pole



these will give you a rough idea of the flag pole when it was standing, notice how John R and Alan W did the nice turning landing to avoid the flag pole.





This phot should give a rough idea on how close the poles were to the end of the runway.



I will be heading out their in the next week or so to drop off some media for the Russell's, I will ask if I can go over to the poles to take a few images.

Cheers Dave C

[richkolasa]

Man, I wish I still lived in Lodi, NJ. If you've ever heard of "the Sopranos", THAT is LODI (some filmed there)...

The Canadian "authorities" are a joke. Can you put up mirrors to reflect sunlight into drivers' eyes to cause auto accidents too without fear of criminal penalties?

Rich

[birddog]

Just want to clear one thing up
The term neighbour is a bit misleading, it should be land owner
The person in question lives elsewhere in the comunity and far enough away from the airport that the planes would not be a problem
The imediate neighbours are supportive of the airport

[richkolasa]

I also have a problem with the term "person" with regards to this vermin.

Rich

[Matt Gunsch]

does anyone have a aerial shot of the field that shows the poles ? all the pics I have seen on here the poles appear to be along side the runway.

[Fleet16b]

does anyone have a aerial shot of the field that shows the poles ? all the pics I have seen on here the poles appear to be along side the runway.

If you read my post above, I give the location of the posts.
They are right just over the property line at the start of runway 19.
This is the north end of the runway.
When landing on 19 you have no choice but to fly over them.
Same as taking off in the opposite end you need to avoid them.

[Matt Gunsch]

Fleet,
I know you said they were at the end of the runway, but in every picture, the poles are off the wingtips of the planes and not behind them.