Minnesota crash in river (N557LJ)

[Dale Young]

Anybody know who this was, and/ or how they are doing?
Cause?

UPDATE: Pilot dies following gyrocopter crash in Minnesota River near St. Peter

Authorities arrived at the Minnesota River after reports of an aircraft crashing into the water.

www.keyc.com

 

[nishanh]

Oh man... Looks like a VX2. Prayers for the pilot.

 

[Mayfield]

Anybody know who this was, and/ or how they are doing?
Cause?

UPDATE: Pilot dies following gyrocopter crash in Minnesota River near St. Peter

Authorities arrived at the Minnesota River after reports of an aircraft crashing into the water.

www.keyc.com

Loren?

 

[Mayfield]

Yep. N557LJ is Loren's aircraft. I hope he is not badly injured.

Jim

 

[Mayfield]

I also pray that Denis and Leigh are okay.

Jim

 

[okikuma]

Yep. N557LJ is Loren's aircraft. I hope he is not badly injured.

Jim

Thoughts and prayers for a speedy and complete recovery for Loren.

Wayne

 

[RogerB]

If that’s Loren , it looks like the gyro technic he just built … damn.
If that’s the case that’s very unfortunate, hope he’s ok.

 

[DavePA11]

Usually power lines near rivers. Hope he is okay too.

 

[RogerB]

Usually power lines near rivers. Hope he is okay too.

While flying my paramotor over rivers on multiple occasions I got caught off guard somewhat by wires over the river, in some cases that i knew were on that river but forgot exactly where... this was at 30mph trim speed... at a gyro's 60-90mph trim speed you'd have very little time to react so you better be really sure there's no wires or otherwise fly higher. Scary stuff

 

[okikuma]

Unfortunately, I've known too many people that have hit power lines in helos and airplanes. A few survived, most perished; very sad.

Wayne

 

[Gyro Technic]

Yes,
This was Loren in his yellow VX-2.
And, it was a wire strike which caused the machine to fall into the river below.
He did not survive.
Such a senseless, easily avoidable accident.
We are all in shock and at a loss for words.
Denis

 

[smoline]

Oh, how terrible. Awful news. Sending my prayers to Loren's family.

 

[Mayfield]

I'm so sorry. I pray for peace for Loren's friends and family.

Jim

 

[Sv.grainne]

Oh man. So sad to have happened at all but so soon after your get together!

 

[WaspAir]

This is nothing less than tragic.

 

[Mayfield]

Loren posted Saturday at 3:50 PM:

Those are some awesomely cool images, and probably a once-in-a-lifetime capture!! The odds of having a camera fall off, then finding it again have to be extremely small!! Good job! Wish I could have been there. Maybe tomorrow! Definitely want to fly with you again before you leave, Leigh.

BTW, while you were having fun I was in the sim recovering from windshear, unusual attitude recovery (included inverted!), landing config stalls and a flap fail with subsequent landing at 171 kts.! I would have rather been in the gyro!


Denis/Leigh,
Were you guys flying with him when the wire strike occurred?
Jim

 

[Vance]

Thank you for sharing the information Denis and ending the speculation.

I find it particularly sad to lose a flying friend.

I am grateful for the time I had with Loren and will miss Loren and his yellow VX-2.

I understand the allure of flying low over a river following the twists and turns.

I know and teach how difficult it is to see wires across a river with the poles often difficult to see.

The poles are usually easier to see than the wires.

I will tell Loren’s story to my learners to help teach them about the dangers of wires even to an experienced pilot.

I have several stories of friends who have hit wires flying a gyroplane low over a river and two particularly difficult to see wires I use as an example.

 

[okikuma]

My deepest condolences and prayers for Loren's family and friends during this time of sorrow and pain. RIP Loren.

Wayne

 

[GyroChuck]

This is really sad. Loren was such a great and positive voice for gyros. I really enjoyed his posts.

 

[okikuma]