On Wednesday, January 15, 2014 8:53:55 PM UTC-7, wrote:
On Saturday, January 11, 2014 7:31:18 PM UTC-8, wrote:

Not looking to open old wounds. One question.



Was the case against Eastern Sailplane ( Tim Donovan 2009 ASG-29 accident) successful?







Rick Lake



I just finished reading the tox- report. Looks to me like this lawsuit will succeed when pigs fly. What was the pilot thinking with that stuff circulating thru his system.

Well, ya better duck, cause pigs are now flying and they do sh++t. Yes, it was dropped against the Dealer, but best to remember that attorney fees can be very expensive. Settlement out of court for...1.1m US bucks.

I was their. I spoke with Tim each morning before we flew. Our talk time each morning was around 10 minutes and included where I had my cg at. We also discussed other topics. He also flew out from the East Coast, in his complex twin turbo prop Cessna, as a single pilot. He shared with me that he had been spinning the 29 numerous times and was comfortable doing so. Tim never appeared impaired to me during this time.
When the accident happened, I was very close by and entering a thermal. I saw something as I started to turn. About that time, the pilot on top of Tim began calling over his radio to no avail. When I came around, it was over.. I called contest ground, but only the tow pilot heard me. She then relayed the information. I requested EMT and an air rescue. I was informed they would be on their way to the crash site. I did a roll call over the air, everyone responded except for Tim.
I was planning on landing, but when told they were on their way, I decided it was best to stay in the air.
Several hours later, a motor glider pilot radio that he was still over the area and when was the EMT planning on getting their. I was shocked to hear this and headed back to the airport. I flew back so fast I almost landed out.
The crash impacted so hard, the pieces were very, very small. So small some things could not be decided on with any certain. Such as flap handle position, rudder pedal location, etc.
It may be best to think here for a moment. The pilot on top stated that he saw no control movement. He spoke with me when we were back on the ramp. Both pilots spoke with me. But no control movements were seen. Both have been around for sometime and are very respected, no less than any of us.

This was an accident and we shall never have all the facts. With well over 1100 hours in my 29, mine has always behaved showing no adverse flight conditions. Out of all the 29 pilots I know, no one reports any adverse flight conditions.

We also all know its best not to assume anything in aviation.

I won't respond anymore to this thread, as I wish for Tim to RIP.

Best regards, #711.