Ex Pardue Sea Fury N13HP-merged with- RIP Ray Hofman

[421Son]

I wasn't trying to win a prize or sensationalize anything. I work in aviation safety and was looking into the accident and coincidentally saw the thread and post here. As it happened the day before, I thought it appropriate to post a notice to the community.

I'll go back to lurking.

Over and out.

[Mark Allen M]

I'll tell you what! I'm convinced there was, and is, no one posting here in this thread who means or mean't any disrespect or bad intent concerning this tragedy. The fellow who broke the news has stated his position and reasoning and personally I'm fine with that as he only mean't to inform a very informed warbird website community with the best of intent. I'll also admit I was a bit surprised that there wasn't a quicker bit of news on this tragic event (which usually is quite common these days to hear tragic news very rapidly) so even the other fellow who call 'BS' (albeit perhaps a bit harsh) had somewhat of a point. Bottom line is no one that frequents this site is ever happy to hear this type of news and some folks handle it better than others, but that doesn't mean we ALL aren't affected by it in our own way. We ALL are in this passion for old airplanes together and we ALL care for one another in our own way as well whether we know each other or not. How could we not? No one wants anyone hurt or God forbid a loss of life and that's not to mention the loss of the airplanes we all love so much, but most of us are well aware that operating these old airplanes can be quite dangerous no matter how well trained and prepared.

I know very few people personally in this warbird community that we chose to be a part of, but I still find it heartbreaking when something goes terribly wrong and we lose people and airplanes. It's nothing less than tragic.

We lost a fellow enthusiast yesterday and we lost a fellow brother from our community. Please spend time (and posts) on what really matters here, forget who's perhaps right or wrong in their posts and keep your vision and thoughts in the right direction. There are family and friends who frequent this site and read ours posts. Please continue to respect and consider their feelings at this time. They need all the support they can get.

So far I'm still proud to be posting here. Thx for the kind thoughts as I'm sure those that really matter in this tragedy are appreciative.

[CAPFlyer]

First and foremost, as I said on Facebook, I'm shocked to hear of this accident any my thoughts are not only with Ray's family but the Ezell/Pardue/Breckenridge family as well because they are all hurting right now.

Second, Ezell Aviation notified of the event on Facebook about the same time as "421Son". Just as here, they didn't say it was Ray because notifications hadn't been officially made and that's where I found out first of the loss, so don't jump down his throat when one of the most "official" sources was making an announcement too. He didn't post names, just said that it occurred. I'm sure there's some here that are glad they saw it here first instead of on the 5pm news.

[Pogo]

I'm sure there's some here that are glad they saw it here first instead of on the 5pm news.

That is correct.

[F4U-1]

Having met Ray I am very saddened by his loss, he will be missed by all of the members of NATA that have met him.

Last summer at Dubuque IA I met Ray thru a mutual friend, Jay Consalvi (Speed and Angels fame). Ray was working on getting his lead card. He was a very nice guy and a very enthusiastic Warbird pilot and owner. In this industry we need more guys like Ray to keep the Warbird movement going for many years.
Ray you will be GREATLY missed. God speed and Blue skies my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and my next 4 ship formation flight will be "Ray flight" in memory of you.

Chuck Wahl

Last edited by F4U-1 on Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:05 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[Vital Spark]

I spent my day hoping that the decedent in this was a high time warbird pilot who pushed his experience outside the machine's ability to follow. I was filled with despair when it was obvious that PeakCompletions was at the helm when what ever happened, happened. I would lament in any case for the life of the person who expired, but is seems particularly poignant that they both expired on their fist moments. Pip Ray Hofman and N13HP. I hope you were having fun to the second to last moment.

[Stoney]

And I say to bad about the plane, but I care more about the pilot, he could have gotten another plane if he were alive, but we can't get another pilot.

[hurk130]

http://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/story ... cZqU7rX9tw

I caught this on our evening news here in Abilene TX. Condolences to the family and friends. I am very sorry to hear this. I hope I am not repeating bad news that has already been reported but the board seemed quiet on this. Fatality

[Chris Brame]

It's in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=51882

[C.6-60]

Very sad but true.

http://www.breckenridgeamerican.com/ci_ ... lane-crash

My prayers go out the family.

[Nathan]

all accident reports should be locked as soon as they are posted. Every accident thread on wix ends in a brawl.

[Mark Allen M]

all accident reports should be locked as soon as they are posted. Every accident thread on wix ends in a brawl.

Nathan my good man, I'll have to respectfully disagree with you a bit here.

Are there times when flare ups and heated differences of opinion occur during the posting of fatal accidents? Of course there are and that's to be expected when emotions are predictably running high. But the knowledge and value of what develops in threads such as these are invaluable as well as the much needed posts that are generated to begin the long process of healing for those in need.

We all know no one wants to see these tragic threads develop but I can think of nowhere were their needed more as many members here are sometimes closely related to these horrible events.

For every one post that generates some sort of negative feedback there are usually ten times the posts that are comforting to read under the tragic conditions they are posted. Not to mention posts that are quite valuable to those that are in need of experienced and responsible input as to what could have caused such terrible results.

The knowledge gained and emotional support that these threads generate is critical to the healing process. Again Nathan, no one ever wants to see these type of threads on WIX or anywhere for that matter, but they do have value and they do help those who need emotional support and possible answers.

What is most critical is to show restraint from speculation, awareness of others feelings and compassion and support towards those who have been affected far more than the rest of us. As I stated before we are all family whether we know each other personally or not.

[phil65]

Maybe this will help with touchy subjects - A quote from Scott “Be civil, be polite, be nice.... or be elsewhere.”

R.I.P. Ray Hofman

Phil

[RacingMustang]

Quick update... I had the honor of purchasing 13HP and it will remain in Texas. Nelson is in the final stages of going through the airplane and it should be transitioning to it's new home in Midland sometime in the next month or so.

Tragic in every sense. This poor fellow took the time and decency to post a few thoughtful words about the acquisition of this airplane, something he was not obligated to do. That alone showed class. Whatever sad events took place for this tragedy to occur make no difference other than for those who feel the need to understand and learn and perhaps a poor family who will need closure someday.

What truly does matter is that a life was lost once again far too soon and family and friends will once again grieve and ask questions why this had to happen. An airplane was lost that can be forgotten or replaced in time, a human being was lost that cannot be forgotten or replaced ever.

Whatever happened the answers will come. For now I shall take a minute to reflect on another pilot I never knew and never met, but feel a sense of brotherhood to that left our small community too soon.

Rest in Peace aviator

Put a lump in my throat. Well said, sir...well said.

[SaxMan]

Sad. Those four boys lost their father. I never me Mr. Hofman, but in this community, I don't think there is more than two or three degrees of separation, so if I didn't know him, I know someone who did. A loss of one is felt by all. Condolences to the family and friends.