Re: accidents will happen
formationfoto,
How about this true story,
I'm working at FISK (arrival fix for the EAA Oshkosh Air Show), an experimental calls on frequency stating that he needed expidited service to OSH that he was low on fuel. I asked his position, he responed that he didn't know, his very next transmission was my engine quit, I'm going down.
I broadcast in the blind for any aircraft between Ripon and FISK to advise if you see anyone going down, an RV-6 pilot said I got em. I requested that he follow him down and advise me if he lands safely and if possible give me a fix on his position. Luckily the pilot landed safely in a field.
FISDO (the enforcement arm of the FAA) drives out to the aircraft and discovered that he departed from FLD (Fond Du Lac) airport, less than 5 miles from where he went down.
Apparently preflighting his aircraft was optional.
Mike