Inverted25
Well-Known Member
I have seen reports that witnesses said a wing departed the airplane. If true it’s not the first structural failure of a MX-S in flight.
Hearing similar with the aileron specifically noted.I have seen reports that witnesses said a wing departed the airplane. If true it’s not the first structural failure of a MX-S in flight.
I know members of his MX team, I have resisted the temptation to ask for details, I just extended my condolences.Hearing similar with the aileron specifically noted.
I have seen reports that witnesses said a wing departed the airplane. If true it’s not the first structural failure of a MX-S in flight.
I know members of his MX team, I have resisted the temptation to ask for details, I just extended my condolences.
When I heard that there might have been a wing or aileron separation, my mind immediately went to issues of pulling the wings for shipping. In the past year, I think he shipped his plane to Europe and South America, maybe additional locations. The plane shipped to South America might have been his old plane which is now his backup plane, currently sitting as a sad memorial.
Rob sweated every detail, here’s the packing crate for his wings.
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Hearing similar with the aileron specifically noted.
Seems like every 5 years or so the airshow/performative aviation community gets rocked with a death.
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At IAC nationals this past September I spent about 15 minutes talking to this big tall guy who I thought was a farmer before I realized who I was standing next to. Genuinely one of the nicest most humble guys I've ever met.
Then he climbed into his airplane and flew in ways I didn't know were possible.
Rob didn't make mistakes in airplanes, he just didn't. The theory of something failing on the airplane is likely for several reasons but unfortunately I have heard from those who inspected the wreckage and it does not appear to be the case, at least so far. I almost hope it is as I cannot fathom how else Rob would have faced someething he couldn't handle.
Everyone makes mistakes in airplanes. From the most minor and unnoticeable, to the most major. No one is infallible in aviation.
I hear what you are saying and of couse I am not being literal. But if there was one person on the planet that didn't, it was Rob.
Rob should have had the ego that most pilots half as good as him have. He truly and honestly was one of the nicest guys.
I know the folks at Full Stop, as well. What a jewel of a shop. It’s like a museum of interesting aircraft with new exhibits every week. The co-owner and primary mechanic (J.W.) turns wrenches on one of my planes.This was getting the plane ready for WAC, before being hauled over to JFK and loaded onto a Cargolux 747. Rob had just finished a training camp in Union City TN where Full Stop Aviation is, and who does the maintenance on the plane. It was looked over before he left. Rob has had hiccups with the various MXS/MX2s he has owned over the years and I might be privvy to more than most know (but not as much as the folks at Full Stop or MX Aircraft are privvy to that is for sure).
Rob didn't make mistakes in airplanes, he just didn't. The theory of something failing on the airplane is likely for several reasons but unfortunately I have heard from those who inspected the wreckage and it does not appear to be the case, at least so far. I almost hope it is as I cannot fathom how else Rob would have faced someething he couldn't handle.
If the airplane was indeed intact that is a good thing. What it leaves is a medical incident. Massive coronary or stroke. Jim Fix died while jogging. Two of my uncles - one working in his blueberry field and another walking to the corner market suffered massive, sudden heart attacks and were dead before they hit the ground. Makes more sense than a multi-time National Champ simply crashing on short final.This was getting the plane ready for WAC, before being hauled over to JFK and loaded onto a Cargolux 747. Rob had just finished a training camp in Union City TN where Full Stop Aviation is, and who does the maintenance on the plane. It was looked over before he left. Rob has had hiccups with the various MXS/MX2s he has owned over the years and I might be privvy to more than most know (but not as much as the folks at Full Stop or MX Aircraft are privvy to that is for sure).
Rob didn't make mistakes in airplanes, he just didn't. The theory of something failing on the airplane is likely for several reasons but unfortunately I have heard from those who inspected the wreckage and it does not appear to be the case, at least so far. I almost hope it is as I cannot fathom how else Rob would have faced someething he couldn't handle.
Not commenting on this case, it doesn’t have to be a stroke or heart attack. Illness, fitness, injury, discomfort, and fatigue can be a factor that can comprise the best of us.If the airplane was indeed intact that is a good thing. What it leaves is a medical incident. Massive coronary or stroke. Jim Fix died while jogging. Two of my uncles - one working in his blueberry field and another walking to the corner market suffered massive, sudden heart attacks and were dead before they hit the ground. Makes more sense than a multi-time National Champ simply crashing on short final.
Interesting how tightly disciplined the rumint has been. Typically with most accidents the web more or less knows what NTSB may find. Lots of mystery around this one.
- No video to get replayed over and over (thank God).
- Happened on a military base so no random internet "experts" to declare "what happened is...."
- The pilot was a known quality. Yes, it could be ultimately "pilot error" but it won't be pilot stupidity.
- The airplane is a known quality. MX could be a factor, but it won't be for a lack of concern. These pilots are VERY careful about that.
Ultimately we will know some basics in a few days, but exactly what happened may remain a mystery.
I think a lot of us are hoping it was something structural. Can’t imagine a guy at his level just making a mistake.This is leaving everyone confused. Typically in the aerobatic community, you can get inside info on an accident typically. If there is video of Robs accident, nobody has seen it and even talking to those on the ground, the details are fuzzy. Could it be an aileron? Maybe, sure. The thing is, it will be something, but it isn't immediately obvious yet.
I think a lot of us are hoping it was something structural. Can’t imagine a guy at his level just making a mistake.