Airliners.net General Manager Killed at SMO

[Trash_Hauler]

The head of Airliners.net, Paulo Emanuele was killed in a plane crash yesterday. Here is the announcement as presented over there.

It is with deep regret that we announce that the head of the site, Paulo Emanuele, was killed in a plane crash here in Santa Monica just a short while ago.

From an executive at DM:

" ... Dear Airliners Crew,

It is with the deepest sorrow that I let know Paulo died this evening in a tragic plane crash. His plane took off out of Santa Monica Airport at 5:00 PM and lost power. Paulo attempted to return to the airport, but the plane crashed on the runway. This is all we know at this time, as I hear more I will let you all know. I know many of you were dear friends with Paulo.
Paulo loved Airliners and everything it stood for.

Paulo was an amazing Pilot, an amazing photographer, an amazing friend, and an amazing father.

He will be deeply missed ... "



http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstori...onica=1&blockID=198373&feedID=1198


Sad news indeed.

[Finn47]

From the LA Times:

2 die in plane crash at Santa Monica Airport - Los Angeles Times (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-planecrash29-2009jan29,0,2097206.story)

[206Fan]

Paulo Emanuele (http://www.airliners.net/paulo/)

:(

Dave

[ReverseFlight]

I just read the NTSB's preliminary report:

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/GenPDF.asp?id=WPR09FA102&rpt=p

My humble opinion : when the engine quit suddenly at 200 - 400 ft, it took the pilot by surprise. He probably was not trying to return to the runway - my guess was that he stalled very quickly with his climb attitude and when a wingdrop to the right set in, tried to correct it with right aileron. This would have deepened the stall, set the aircraft in a roll and secondary yaw, thus resulting in a spin which was unrecoverable at low height.

He obviously loved flying and contributed much to the aviation community. I feel very sorry for his young family.

RIP