Old Rhinebeck wrecks another one, nobody hurt

[Warbird Kid]

I've actually had a chance to visit there a few times, and Im not sure myself Gary. But would like to know myself. Some people here are more connected with that group and maybe able to answer those questions.

[muddyboots]

one would think they would consider grounding themselves at this point for a good body check and see if they can't find out what is happening...

[airknocker]

There is a famous thread on a WWI forum whitch address the whole sordid affair http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/old-r ... ouble.html

This has resulted in the following action: http://www.mikespandau.org/petition/ram.htm

All in an attempt a return to better days: http://www.colepalen.com/

[retroaviation]

There is a famous thread on a WWI forum whitch address the whole sordid affair http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/old-r ... ouble.html

This has resulted in the following action: http://www.mikespandau.org/petition/ram.htm

All in an attempt a return to better days: http://www.colepalen.com/

Wow. 404 pages on that forum discussing it. Wow.

It sounds to me then, that it is primarily a management issue. However, that still didn't cause the engine to quit on their most recent mishap......or did it? Are they not allowing the mechanics to do the proper work or order (pronounced "fabricate") the proper parts? Are the mechanics too afraid to speak up and say "NO, this airplane will NOT fly today!"

If any of that is the case, it sounds like they need someone to come in and turn things around (which it sounds like the folks that REALLY care about the museum are trying to do). I wish them luck. I'm just glad there aren't any other flying museums out there with similar issues.

Gary

[airknocker]

This whole sad story has been pretty much well-discussed within the WWI & vintage aircraft types. It is a story that needs more input from others who care about avhistory and preserving a well loved dream of Cole&Rita Palen. The website http://www.colepalen.com/ truly represents the people and experiences of ORA which makes the recent events so heartbreaking.
Feel free to expand this discussion to other forums and allow some daylight to shine on our beloved Old Rhinebeck.

[Forgotten Field]

I don't know about what anybody else thinks, but the way that 504 glided, it looks like the pilot was too far away from where he should have been...

[Jerry O'Neill]

I don't know about what anybody else thinks, but the way that 504 glided, it looks like the pilot was too far away from where he should have been...

Well there are several fields near by that aircraft have landed in before when trouble reared it's ugly head, but there are points around the Aerodrome that are not conducive to an engine failure no matter how close you keep it to the field. They have always tried to keep things close to the runway, but sometimes it's just not the right position.

The NE side of the runway is the least hospitable for an off field landing, Lots of trees and a swamp. Unfortunately, you can't pick the time when your 90 year old engine gives up the ghost.

I've heard many rotaries run and it didn't sound very good on take off, but that could be the camera's mic.

At least the pilot's okay. It's a shame, it was always one of my favorites ever since I saw "One Shot Gatling" back in 1972! From what I understand, the aircraft was just cleared for full flight demos a few weeks ago.
Jerry