1 dead in Ultralight midair

[GrantR]

I just saw this on the quicksilver list. 2 ultralights had a midair in Arcanum Ohio. Keep your eyes open and scan for traffic. This is a sad thing.

Hi Guys,

I lost a good friend this evening in a mid-air collision. He was on final
approach in his powered parachute and was approx. 50' agl over the runway when
his best friend in his Phantom flew right into him broadside, after the impact
the Phantom cartwheeled into the corn field, the pilot of the Pahantom is also a
good friend, he was standing in a daze when I finally got to his plane, and all
he could say was "I didn't see him", he was taken by Careflight and is in
serious condition. The worst part is I witnessed the whole thing! I think I am
still in shock. I just cant get the image of the Phantom certwheeling into the
corn. I think I am gonna leave the Sport in the hangar for a few days, but I am
definatly still gonna fly! Both men knew the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior,
so that fact alone gives me alot of comfort, but my heart aches for the
families. If you dont mind, say a prayer for the families and also that my
other friend comes through this ok. I will keep you informed.

Thanks,
Eric

[Doug Riley]

It's often repeated that most mid-airs happen at uncontrolled airports.

Many, though not all, of them could be avoided by everyone's rigidly observing traffic patterns. To "broadside" an aircraft on final-final would require that the Phantom be flying very low and perpendicular to the final approach path. What business a pilot has flying in that direction, at that altitude, in that location is anyone's guess.

When there's no wind at all, and not enough traffic to play "follow the leader," things get interesting as people flip coins to decide which way to land. A field "default" rule helps, as do radio communications.

But, cripes, stay way out of final descent and climbout paths unless you're actually flying the pattern.

[PPG Doug]

How very, very sad. Two friends out flying together, having a great day, with such a tragic ending.

What a shame.

[Doug S.]

I visited Tom Jackson at Miami Valley Hospital today; (He was the pilot in the Phantom aircraft) he has a broken nose, jaw and numerous lacerations on his hands and head. He is still in shock about his good friend Terri who was flying the PPC. Tom was telling me that he just did not see Terri and everything just happen in a split second, as most accidents do. But at least I got to see Tom recovering in the Hospital and as bad as it is, it could have been even worst.
Tom is grieving from the lost of is good friend and flying buddy, along with friends and family that knew them both. I meant Terri for the first time over 12 years ago at a festival; they owned and operated a Lemon aid concession trailer like our self’s. I remember that he was telling me about PPC aircrafts and he was leaving tonight early to go flying with his neighbor (Tom Jackson) who was a distributor and instructor for PPC and how he was teaching him how to fly them. Within in a week Terri owned a brand new PPC, I could not wait to see it and as Terri described it to me I was fixated on every word he spoke about it. His eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas along with mine. Terri did like any other newbie did, he fed me info on the sport of PPC and I ate it up like Ice cream at a festival. Throughout the years I got to fly with Terri and Tom and as my interest changed over from PPC to Gyro’s a few years ago I would still fly over to Arcanum and land and shoot the bull with them. I would be looking at their PPC’s and they would be checking out my gyro, exchanging info back and forth just like we did over 12 years ago.
To Carol (Terri beautiful wife) and your family you will always be in our pray’s and to Tom and Barbra Jackson you gave Terri the gift of flight, that he loved so much.

To Tom and Barbra I know that all the people on this forum that read this thread will be praying for you also. Because we are all thinking about our flying buddies that we fly with throughout the years and how special they are and touch our lives everyday.

Needless to say Tom and Barbra you will always be in our pray’s. The beautiful memories that we have and get to share with each other that I am writing about now, would not be possible with out the gift you gave Terri and Terri gave to you. Your unconditional friendships. Truly one of God’s greatest gifts.
Be at peace.
Doug and Tami Smith

[Timchick]

Very sad to hear. We'll be praying for both families.

[dragonflyerthom]

My condolences to Terri's family. Stay safe my friends.

[animal]

prayers to both familys. very sad news.