Fatal Ground Accident in Oklahoma

[nitchgyro]

The local TV news (News 9) in Oklahoma City reported about the death of Peter Hayes (53 of Edmond, OK) due to a prop strike. According to the news report, he was apparently doing an engine run in the driveway at his house, and the prop came into contact with his head and shoulder. He was taken to a hospital where he eventually passed away. The video showed his Bensen still on the driveway with the broken prop in view.

I had just met Peter for the first time at last months Ponca City Fly-In. He seemed like a nice man. My condolences to his family and friends.

[chuter]

I didn't see this on the news, I'm just learning about it by email this morning.

I just met Peter at the same meeting Lance is referring to. I believe he had just bought the Benson and was taking training.

I was looking forward to getting to know him.

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.

[barnstorm2]

Do you know if it was during a hand-start or was it a taxi issue?

My condolences to family and friends.

[chuter]

From what I heard it sounds like a hand-prop accident. I'm pretty sure he had a Mac.

[GyroTyro]

I Just spoke with Peters son. It seems Peter was running up the Gyro in the driveway/yard attempting to run all the gas out of the tank so that he could work on it. The gyro leaned back, hit him on the head knocking him to the ground, the gyro then tipped over on him and the propeller sliced into his shoulder and head. His wife witnessed the events. He died on the way to the hospital.

They have not made any funeral arrangements as yet. They will be doing that this afternoon.

He left a wife and three children.

I was told there was nothing I could help with at present but that they would be selling the gyro in the near future and would appreciate some help at that time. It will probably be posted here on the forum.

[Chuck Irby]

What a tragedy! My deepest sympathy to the family and those who knew Peter!

[Alan Coats]

I had only met Peter once, at the Ponca City Fly-in. From my conversation with him, he seemed to be taking a careful and methodical approach to gyro flying. He was in the process of taking lessons.

Peter was a very likeable guy, and I had looked forward to getting to know him better as the group of Oklahoma gyro flyers came together. We'll miss him, but the loss to his family is tragic. My condolences go out to them.

Alan

[GyroTyro]

A spokesman for Peter's family said that there will be a Wake at 7pm this evening at Mathews funeral home in Edmond.

The funeral will be held tomorrow, 2pm at St Monicas Church in Edmond, OK.

[chuter]

Here is a link to Peter's obituary:
Obituary (http://www.legacy.com/oklahoman/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2676205)

At the bottom of the page is a link to the Guest Book if anyone cares to leave a note for the family.

[Ron R]

Something just doesn't really sound right about this. A Mac on a Benson when propped, rocks FORWARD, not back. Also .......how would the craft tip over??????? Did he have the gyro on milk crates or something? The more I thought about this, the stranger it seemed. Anybody have any thoughts on this??? Just asking. Thanks! Ron R.