A MYSTERIOUS END

  • Published
  • By Travis Eastman
Via e-mail --  I read with interest the Torch article titled "Pilot and Instructor Die in Fiery Crash" (May/June 2010 issue, page 25). Based on the report, it sounds like the pilot probably froze up at the controls during takeoff. Since the investigation revealed that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the aircraft, I wonder why the instructor pilot wasn't able to take the controls from the man who froze up and stop the aircraft before it crashed into the trees? I read the National Transportation Safety Board report on-line and saw more pictures of the scene, and it appeared they had plenty of time to stop the aircraft. What a tragic situation. I guess the actions, or non-actions, of the pilots will remain a mystery.