My Thanks to So Many

[Bill Greenwood]

My recent accident in my Spitfire in the show at Galveston has of course been a nightmare. I really appreciate the dozens of expressions of sorrow and support that I have received. Many have written this on the WIX forums, many have sent me PM s. I have had to delete most of the PM s as the whole message box filled up, I tried to say thanks to most. Many have offered their labor, even as volunteers. Greatly appreciated, right now the plane is in a hangar and any work or decisions, are a few weeks away, so nothing at this point.
The people at Lone Star have been great, first class. I got many expressions of reassurance. No one was making accusations or pointing fingers. This is probably more than most people would or could have done. The other pilot was especially polite and forthcoming, and that shows character. As I got out of the cockpit and rushed to make sure he was ok he was already out to inquire if I was. I doubt if many people in a car fender bender accident would act as well. Neither of us were injured at all in the collision, I heard, but didn't really feel the impact. The airplanes have serious damage, especially mine.
The fire/rescue guys were great, asked once if we were ok, then were just cool, not frantic, officious, or a nuisance.
The FAA folks, Gena, and Jim have been polite and pleasant to deal with. I mailed my required accident report yesterday as well as records on the Spit.
So a big thanks to all in trying to make a very bad day a little less so.

[JDK]

Hi Bill,

Lots of small rays of sunshine on a pretty cloudy day. Like many others, I was shocked to hear the news, grateful no-one was hurt, and pleased so many were able to act professionally and more prepared to offer help (to both crews and organisations - LSFM and 'Team Bill').

Keep us posted, and like others, I'd be delighted to help if possible to get these aircraft back where they belong.

Regards,

[Mark Nankivil]

Hi Bill -

I am just glad no one was hurt and I am sure that your aircraft will be even better after repairs. I look forward to seeing you smiling big time after that 1st flight!

Enjoy the Day! Mark

[Jack Cook]

Hi Bill,
Good to hear from you here.
It's nice to hear of so many positive things coming from the accident.
We're all looking forward to you and that Spitfire back in the air!!
Jack

[Robbie Stuart]

Bill, as I have said before, I am so very glad neither one of you were hurt. It is good to hear things are going well as far as the road to recovery. I hope all involved will continue to work together on this deal toward the objective to returning these two fine machines to service. I extend by best wishes to you toward this goal.
Robbie

[Forgotten Field]

Bill,
Good to hear from you. Hope your airplane gets back together fast. Best Regards,

[Bill Greenwood]

Jack, guys. I wish I could have a positive view outlook on getting her flying again, but the damage is no small thing. It is money and time, and money is short and time may be also. A number of major wing and gear parts will have to be inspected carefully if not actually remade or replaced, and some may not be available. There are good restorers in the US but none with the experience Ray has in Spits or Hurricanes. He is great, but is not a mass production line, he and Tim can't do miracles overnight for free. QG Aviation has maintained my plane even before I owned it, but it has never been a quick, cheap, or shortcut operation. I was aware that as an ordinary pilot, I got to do something special and I have always tried to do my part to keep her and those that flew in her safe, and I feel awful that for a few seconds one time I didn't. I am fortunate and grateful to have never hurt anyone in her, I've only had one person get sick, who wanted to" do a little more before we land".

Whatever happens I have had a quarter of a century of getting to experience a masterpiece, one pilots the world over for the last 60 years have valued a chance to fly. There are a lot of good planes in the world, but the Spitfire well deserves its legend. And for a new private pilot of 500 hours, without tailwheel training, that's walking in high cotton. So maybe God gave me good fortune, but it isn't endless. As one gets older, we lose some near eyesight and hearing, we can offset it with experience and judgement. I really thought I could fly the Spitfire for at least a decade more. The plane was ready, no real sqwauks, and I was l looking forward to training and being really sharp for Osh and Midland etc. Bill Roach and I spent hours at W. Houston washing her, thanks for his help. He got to fly on the way to GLS, but the overcast kept us from climbing up and playing with a fighter. Airshow rolls are fine, but not with a passenger at 1500 feet.

[maradamx3]

Bill:

Again, so very glad both you and the other pilot were not injured. As I felt sick to see those damaged birds, your feelings must be at least ten-fold. I was sincere when I PM'd you with my offer to help. I hope you didn't delete me. If so, no biggie. When the time comes, my offer will stand. I'll keep an eye out for any updates. Thanks for sharing your magnificent warbird with us.

Tommy

[Chunks]

Whoa! Slow down Bill!

I wish I could have a positive view outlook on getting her flying again, but the damage is no small thing. It is money and time, and money is short and time may be also.

Here's the post I was dreading...I realize and appreciate that you are sharing you thoughts with everyone. We all want to hear from you and know how things are going. What an emotional event...I can only imagine how you must feel. After some time has past and you have really had a chance to assess the damage (physical and mental) you will evaluate what your future will be. When that time comes, realize this. There are 3 threads on WIX running right now (unless I've missed any others) concerning the incident and everyones concern for your well being as well as the Spit and others involved. I realize that people like me are viewing this multiple times to keep up on the latest, but there have been close to 16,000 hits on these 3 combined threads. If everyone that followed this story sent $50 to the Spit and $50 to the Hurricane to go towards repairs, it almost turns in to real money. Spanner started this on another thread, and I will support his request. I'm not asking or suggesting that anyone start writing checks. What I am saying is that when the time comes to make your decision give the WIXers a chance to help. I'm not a Spitfire mechanic (although I do have a table saw!!??) but I'm sure that I and at least a few others here would like to express our appreciation (in the form of $) for the opportunity you and others have given us to see some of these rare airplanes in the air.

As far as vision, judgement, age, etc...,I don't even want to hear it. The photos posted of your landing sequence looked pretty $%&*@ competent to me.

Also, the offer still stands. If you need manual labor to move the plane, I'll be there. I'll serve water, drive the truck or sweep the hangar when you're done. Just let me know.

Chunks

Last edited by Chunks on Fri May 02, 2008 11:59 am, edited 1 time in total.

[sgt hawk]

Bill, I have scanned these posts on your "accident" and have been reluctant to post (I thought I would let the dust settle) till I said anything. I have had you on my mind all week. This is like having one of your children experience a " traumatic accident", my heart goes out to you. We on this "exchange" get to experience (although vicariously) the ownership of one of the sweetest airplanes of that era. I have always looked forward to some of your posts ( sometimes you are to "the left" of Saint Francis" and sometimes "the right" of Ghengis Khan) but always a thought provoking experience. Let's get the "Old Gal" back in the air again! I don't have the assets to help much, but I believe we can all help!

Chin up, Helmet On, Just a few more clicks to hump!
Hawk
Woodstock, Ga

[RMAllnutt]

Bill, I really feel for you. I am so glad that you and the other pilot are safe. I am sure you will be reliving the whole thing over and over again for quite a while of course, but the important thing is that no one was hurt. The aircraft can, and will be fixed, although that sounds a lot simpler and easier than it will end up being to be sure. I really do hope that you will be able to fly TE308 again. She seems to be such a part of you, and speaking as an ex-pat Brit., I have always felt that she couldn't be sharing any better company. You must be able to tell from these threads that you have a lot of friends out here in the ether. We are all here to help. Take care of yourself, and keep in touch.

All the best,
Richard

[SPANNERmkV]

Bill,

When the time is right...

POST where to send a cheque and let's get on with it!





If WE don't do it, who will?

SPANNER

Don Price
Commemorative Air Force
Wing Leader- Gulf Coast Wing

[Chunks]

Spanner wrote

POST where to send a cheque and let's get on with it!

Absolutely! Let's go!

Chunks

[Matt Gunsch]

Bill,
I have been un employed for 2 yrs, but, if you start to accpet donations to repair the Spit, you can count on me for a donation. I enjoyed flying with you and will do what ever I can to help.

Matt

[RNDMTRS4EVR]

Bill;
Glad to hear you and the other pilot are OK, #1 Airplane’s as we all know can be fixed! I know there is an absolute butt load of knowledge out there, and on this board, I have never worked on the Spitfire, but hey it is nuts and bolts and it can be fixed and, fixed the correct way. Every airplane I have ever worked on from the P-51 to a Falcon 2000 I had never touched one before, but with the correct technical data and the correct tools in hand it could be and can be done. So what I'm trying to get at is your bird will fly again, and God willing with you at the controls. So as many others here have stated before if you need help you just call! We are glad to help out anyway we can.
Scott.......

Last edited by RNDMTRS4EVR on Fri May 02, 2008 1:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.