7-10-05 tragic day

[TX-EcoDragon]

Yesterday two airshow greats, Jimmy Franklin, and Bobby Younkin, were lost in a mid-air while performing in the Masters of Disaster routine at the Moose Jaw, SK airshow. Jimmy Franklin was piloting his Jet WACO, and Bobby Younkin was flying Samson. These were amazing pilots and showmen, who comprised one of the most impressive acts on the airshow circuit. I first met Jimmy (and his wing walking son Kyle, who also does the announcing for the MOD demonstrations) at Salinas 03 when we had the Raven there. . . it was interesting (though not surprising) to see that this act, more than any other, would get the other pilots to stop whatever they were doing to come watch . . . they were an innovative and amazing, top-notch group (Jim LeRoy and Les/John Shockley were participating as well, but were not involved).



Jimmy, Kyle, and the Jet WACO on Saturday




Bobby Younkin and Samson on Saturday

See them in action here:

http://www.bulldogairshows.com/v2/X-TEAM_video.avi

and Here:

http://www.bulldogairshows.com/v2/xteam-1.wmv



Additionally another demonstration group known as the "Vultures" lost two pilots to a mid-air collision during a formation practice session,  to a Long-Ez and an RV-6. There isn't much information on this event yet, but two pilots were lost.

Sunday was a very tragic day.

My deepest condolences to the families, and fans, I wish I could say more. . . but I'm at a loss for words.



S!

TX-EcoDragon
Black 1
TX-Squadron XO

[TX-Rahman]

A sad day indeed... I saw the video of both accidents but never realized who it was.  We saw Jimmy and Kyle here in Houston at the Wings Over Houston not long ago....The wife and I offer our sincere condolences to the families of all the pilots involved. Regards,TX-Rahman"BLACK 4"

[TX-EcoDragon]

I think Bobby flew at WOH too, in his twin Beech 18 S!TX-EcoDragonBlack 1TX-Squadron XO

[TX-Rahman]

Yup he did..I have pictures around here somewhere... Wow....what a bummer...  That was a really cool act....to see that type of plane doing acro..Regards,TX-Rahman"BLACK 4"

[LW_Tornado]

Man o man, shook Mr. Franklins hand twice at the Ft. worth air show, what a friggin bummer to lose yet another fantastic person and pilot , my heart goes out to all his freinds an family , and to be honest was the coolest plane i'd seen at an airshow to date. The jet bi-plane was indeed a show stopper, he'll be sorely missed. God bless and godspeed to all.S~ T P.S.  Good to see ya Rah, i never get a reply from ya on MSN anymore .