Fri, Jul 18, 2008
Pilot's Fine, But Historic Aircraft Won't Be At OSH
The on-again, off-again planned
showing of one historic aircraft at AirVenture 2008 is, sadly, off
again.
The Experimental Aircraft Association was informed Thursday that
due to an unfortunate incident, the Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro will
not be able to attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 as announced
earlier.
Jack Tiffany, the lead restorer in the project in Ohio, called
with news that during testing Thursday, the rotor blades of the
Autogiro were significantly damaged and will require a complete
rebuild.
Thankfully, no injuries or other aircraft damages were
reported... but the damage means the 1930s-vintage aircraft won't
be making any public appearances any time soon.
"Obviously, we're all disappointed that the Pitcairn will not be
here this year," said H.G. Frautschy, EAA's Vintage Aircraft
Association executive director. "This has been a multi-year effort
on the part of Jack Tiffany and the crew at Leading Edge
Restorations, and as Jack pointed out during his call this morning,
each portion of the restoration and flight-testing has been a
learning experience. We wish our friends in Ohio well and look
forward to seeing the Pitcairn in the future."
A taxi mishap in mid-June resulted in damage to the rotor blades
and top of the vertical fin and rudder... but repairs were done and
first flights were made on July 10 at Andy Barnhart Memorial
Airport near Dayton, OH, after which time
the announcement was made the Autogiro would
be at the show.
We're sure we speak for everyone involved when we say...
rats.
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