Jimmy Franklin, Bobby Younkin fatal crash

Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:12 pm

http://aero-news.net/
I saw this performance at Midland last year and it was incredible! I have a lot of respect for those guys. I am sorry to hear of this.

Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:23 pm

We were talking about the Jet Waco this weekend at Geneseo, Very Sad News.

Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:37 pm

http://kyw.com/Local%20News/local_story_191190635.html

I just found out that someone I had flown with in their RV-8 had a mid air today. Sad news all around.

Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:38 pm

very sad, Jimmy was a great performer and a fantastic guy. condolences to the families

Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:03 pm

I wish to extend my condolences to both families in this tragic loss. Like Chuck, I saw them at Midland last year. What a show they put on.

Blue Skies,
Lynn Allen

Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:01 am

Sorry to hear this sad news..I had the good fortune to see Bobby Younkin
exhibit his talents in spades at an airshow in Texarkana, Ark. about 2000.
My best to their families and survivors.

Last edited by airnutz on Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

Mon Jul 11, 2005 2:24 am

Just can't believe it. These guys were the best. I saw the footage but thought it wouldn't be anybody I know of.

John

Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:19 am

Here's another link with picture.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/ww1-dogfight-disaster/2005/07/11/1120934160864.html?oneclick=true

Mon Jul 11, 2005 11:31 am

Very sad news. I have enjoyed watching both of them fly at the Indianapolis Air Show. They will be missed.
PJ

Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:09 pm

I am just sick! These two guys were top notch people & performers. My prayers go out to those affected. I am so sorry.
Robbie

Mon Jul 11, 2005 4:18 pm

I have been away from the news for several days, as I had to leave town to evacuate a jet for the hurricane that just blew through here. I awone this AM and was shocked to hear of the loss of these two gentlemen.

I had the pleasure of working with Bobby Younkin this past April at the Moody AFB airshow.

I had never seen his act before nor met him personally. I was very impressed by his the Lear and Biplane performances, and personally he was the most down-to-earth and humble airshow performer I've met in a long time.

I first saw Jimmy Franklin when he used to do the old "Dueling Wacos" routine with Elliot Cross and Johnny Kazian in the late 80s and early 90s. I have been constantly impressed by his acts ever since.

Both will be sadly missed, and my thoughts go out to their families.

Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:50 pm

In the early 1990s Jimmy's dad was also killed flying the twin Aerostar used in the Zar act. I'm just astounded, shocked and devasted that guys like this could make a mistake and are gone. Watched Jimmy for years and he was definitely one of the few guys I would stop and watch. One of the best.

John

Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:01 pm

A sad day indeed. I saw Jimmy perform once in the mid 90's and I remember how close he came to slamming into the ground while pulling out of a maneuver, and I thought "he is either gifted or insane!". To think he couldn't pull out of this one makes me kind of sick to the stomach. I have only seen Bobby's Beech 18 performance on video and was hoping to catch that in person someday. My thoughts are with the families...

Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:30 pm

he was defineteley unique, as was his bravery, his ingenuity & skill performing with a waco with a jet engine attached. his act was 1 of a kind. never to be repeated with the same style & flair. best, tom

Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:48 pm

I heard a yak went down to! The reaper got his 3 accidents hopefully he'll leave us alone for a while.