Talk about a Bad Day- Crash Your Stearman & Get arrested....

[Warbirdnerd]

FREMONT, Mich. (WZZM) -Many of his friends and associates say Paul Hankins of Fremont is the best pilot they know.

"Probably been in the air with him 100 times," says friend Larry DeMars. "He was head pilot for Gerber Products for 29 years."

But Hankins' World War II vintage biplane is now in pieces and he is facing possible charges of flying while under the influence.

The 67-year-old pilot and another man were aboard the two seater practicing landings and take-offs at the Fremont Municipal Airport Friday afternoon when the plane crashed.

"He lost altitude and the plane did crash into a tree," says Michigan State Police Trooper Misty Long-Birgy. "Alcohol is a factor."

According to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, pilots may not attempt to operate an aircraft if they have a 0.04% blood alcohol content; half of what is allowed to operate a motor vehicle. Regulations also prohibit pilots from drinking eight hours before a flight.

Police would not reveal the pilot's blood alcohol content or when they suspect he had consumed his last alcoholic beverage.

Hankins was taken to jail in handcuffs.

"I don't know what happened here," says DeMars. "I can't believe it. He never would even take a beer."

The pilot has some bumps and cuts, but otherwise the two men in the plane were not hurt in the crash. No one on the ground were injured and no buildings were damaged. The aircraft was demolished.

Found it here:
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/1670 ... hing-plane

[jet1]

...all you need is some wood putty and glue and of course duct tape!

[muddyboots]

that'll buff right out.

Last edited by muddyboots on Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Dan Jones]

That's hardly demolished. It'll need a little mending is all...

[RyanShort1]

For Jeff:

It would've buffed right out if it had been an N3N.

Glad everyone survived.

Ryan

Last edited by RyanShort1 on Thu Jun 02, 2011 2:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Fouga23]

I'll give him $5 for it.

[agent86]

i picked a bad day to quit sniffing glue(lloyd bridges,airplane)

[maxum96]

[whistlingdeath77]

i picked a bad day to quit sniffing glue(lloyd bridges,airplane)

Do you like gladiators?

[Obergrafeter]

Wreck the Stearman, go to jail, but the important question is.........did he spill his drink? At least it wasn't a N3N. Could have been a lot worse!

[N3Njeff]

I'll give him $5 for it.

Oh no..... It's worth at least a 12 pack!

[Fouga23]

I'll give him $5 for it.

Oh no..... It's worth at least a 12 pack!

Nope, that would be a waste of perfectly good beer

[AvroAvian]

You know the rules!

No smoking within 8 hours of flying and no drinking within 50 ft......

[mustangdriver]

I really can't go into a lot of details, but booze was NOT a factor.

[Skyraiderdriver]

I really can't go into a lot of details, but booze was NOT a factor.

Agreed!

IMHO, I think aircraft crashes and wrecks should be banned from this forum.

Someone could have died and all this thread has been is a joke fest with off topic discussion.

Not to mention speculation.