Was this a Warbird?

[Versatile]

Say a single seat and single engine and one prop blade looks large.
Poor guy. My prayers are for him.

http://www.heartlandconnection.com/news ... ?id=636010

[CAPFlyer]

According to the FAA, the aircraft involved is N773RY, a "Ray Aerial Spraying 773 Racer". So it looks like it was some sort of kitbuilt/homebuilt racer. I can't find any photos of the aircraft or anything like it.

http://www.faa.gov/data_research/accide ... _773RY.txt

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry ... rtxt=773RY

[Versatile]

I could see a tubular structure but the tail cone looked too short to be BT or T6 etc.

[The Inspector]

Nice job of reporting from the local TV station, one fuzzy. long distance cell phone picture and less than zero information from the Sports Reporter (?) assigned to do the story, no wonder that guy is in a third level TV market-

[whistlingdeath77]

that's sad

[rusty]

This web site has story and photos of the 773 racer http://www.tomfmottumwa.com/local-news/ ... ident.html

[The Inspector]

770 RANGER? Looks like a mishmash of bits and pieces of several 30's racers-

[Tiger Tim]

I was a little hesitant to post this but here goes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAg_-a-jlng

I casually followed the construction of that airplane whenever and wherever I could find an update online and while it wasn't the prettiest thing in my eyes what I did see was Mr. Yoakum living his dream, which I can definitely respect. Unfortunately his dream cost him his life and I would imagine he left a mourning family behind.

This is kind of an eye opener since I've wanted to build a replica racer of my own for some time.

-Tim

**EDITED:** I thought I could embed a youtube video but either the forum software doesn't support it or I have no idea what I'm doing.

[Rogcat33]

Rex gave both of my kids there first airplane rides. Got to say it is a very sad time right now around our household. God Speed Pilot! We will carry your memory with us forever!