Rhinebeck accident

[red baron]

So hard to see this news! I spent many happy hours up there starting in the 70s...never met Brian officially, but sure I saw him around...terrible news. I can tell you after having built a Full scale DR.1, these airplanes do not fly like a C 172; visibility is bad and you are constantly holding rudder to keep turns coordinated and ball in middle of cage. If I were to do aerobatics in mine (which I currently don't) I would want to be around 5,000' or higher. RIP Brian.

 

[Ralph Parmenter Bennett]

Apparently, Brian's DR.1 caught fire in the air and then was consumed by fire on crashing. I believe this is only the second pilot death at Rhinebeck which is very commendable given their magnificent aging flying machines. The Airfield decided to cancel the remainder of their 2024 season following Brian's death. Rhinebeck Aerodrome is one of a kind and deserves our support.

 

[kyleb]

The airplane was a D.VIII. Otherwise, Ralph’s comments are spot-on.

 

[red baron]

now I remember that I spoke to him on the phone, when he was selling the DVIII an ad on barnstormers.

 

[frfly172]

Sad RIP condolences

 

[Arrow67]

I can only imagine how different those planes are to fly compared to something like a C172.