UK Ferry Pilot Down
 

Breaking news, looks like a UK ferry pilot has gone down shortly after departing Bangor Maine KBGR en route to Russia via Goose Bay and Iceland. The aircraft left independance factory last week and sat the weekend out in Bangor awaiting more favourable weather. Shortly after leaving Bangor earlier today, the pilot reported picking up ice and looked like he was trying to make it back to Bangor but went down about 20 miles short into a side channel. The name hasnt been released yet but it was definately a UK pilot who was delivering to a flying school in St Petersburg.

Wouldn't you expect - that a pilot aged 78 - would have had more sense than to try a heavily fuelled ferry flight in Winter, in extreme conditions, in a light plane, without de-icing? Maybe he was desperate for a quid? The comment by 'lowflyingcessna' on the newssite says it all. I think this pilot probably deserves a mention in the Darwin awards for 2010.

UK Ferry Pilot Down
 

British pilot dies in US plane crash - Telegraph

It is always sad when someone loses their life. Unfortunately in this industry, there is usually the ultimate price to pay for making a bad decision. The ferry tanks were actually topped off in Bangor KBGR and the aircraft filed for 9000 as there was a pirep reporting cloud tops at 6000 but the info from nav Canada showed cloud all the wat to 12000 with light to mederate mixed icing. Its easy to make judgement from the warmth of an office chair but looks like the plane was doomed before departure. Thise things just wont climb when 30% over gross max and to try and climb through icing conditions without at least a turbo and a hot prop was always going to be a struggle.
RIP James, every ferry pilots thoughts are with you and then some.

Yes..
 

..RIP James. I'll bet that 43 minute flight seemed like the longest 43 minutes of his (long) life. So sad. So avoidable. bm

Sad to learn Jim's fate. RIP
He was experienced ferry pilot and will be missed

I remember once building ice like sh..t in a turboprop in an unexpected situation where there was no report of icing, we had to make an emergency land with a ton of ice stuck on the belly and under the wings, the worst 20 minutes of my life. I hate to fly on the ****osphere.

UK pilot killed in US accident..
 

Found this on the net.....

78 year old James Beaton from Wales, UK died when ferrying Cessna from US to Russia...



WCSH6.com | Portland, ME | State police recover body of pilot from plane wreckage

Crash near Olamon kills pilot - Bangor Daily News

Mods: feel free to move topic to correct Forum...tks

78 years old, ferrying an aircraft from the US-Russia. Is it common practice for companies to employ pilots of that age? In the unlikely event that I ever reach 78 I shall want to keep my feet on the ground!

78 years old, loads of experience to be caught out like that . Sad RIP

Jim Beaton
 

Hello,

I am trying to find out more about Jim and where his family live in Wales, UK.

Please can anyone help me?

Thanks

Ben

I have PMd you those basic details in response to your PM to me but I have to say someone coming into this forum with one post who represents the media and whos sole interest is a story wont go down to well here.

Others should be aware of that intent in other information requests factual or guessed.

Pace

RIP Jim
 

Many years ago as a much younger man in 1979 I walked into a flight school in staverton uk and met Jim Beaton the man who taught me to fly ,17500hrs ago. I am deeply saddened at his passing. Jim was the king of the scud runners who flew by the seat of his pants with handling skills you dont see much of these days. I quess if you fly for long enough in the hard world of GA and ferrying you will sooner or later find yourself in a situation from which you may not escape. I have been to the edge on a few occasions and survived due to the great training and experiance I gained flying with the legend which was Jim Beaton. It is important to note that Jims decision to fly was his own, he did not take anyone else with him. RIP old buddy.

If anyone knows where/when his funeral will be please PM me.

Very sad to hear the tragic news of Jims death.

Jim instructed me during my PPL and he was always a great instructor to have, a real stick and rudder pilot who had an enormous passion for flying. His great stories and enthusiasm for flying will be sorely missed.

Mooneyboy.

Martin

I have PMd you! Jim even at 78 was like a man 20 years younger with a amazing enthusiasm for flying and life.

A kinder more colourful or more genuine guy you would not find. I believe at his age of 78 he did 30 plus ferries in the last couple of years in stuff I would not dream of Ferrying or have the courage to ferry.

He loved those trips and his attitude to warnings was "if thats the way I am supposed to go so be it!".

I have lost a good friend and an inspiration in more than just flying.

Pace

Hi Martin

Long time no speak. Saw your note re Jimmy Beaton - who was a true and good friend to me. I spoke to Maureen this morning. I can let you know when the funeral is as soon as I know. He is still in the US.

If you want to get in touch, my mobile is 07979 853263 Landline 01452 613175 email: [email protected] (I have had that since Staverton days!)

Talk to you soon

Best Wishes

Kevin Lawrence

Re Jim Beaton
 

I am an old friend of Jim's and have his details. Can I suggest you drop me a note - just confirming you are not another reporter etc? Use [email protected], if you will, as it is always on...

Kind Regards
Kevin

Jim Beaton RIP
 

Jim Beaton was the CFI at Glasgow Flying Club in the 60's when I got my PPL. He sent me on my first solo.

He was a great aviator and example to all his students.

I remember him talking about diverting to West Freugh in a PA 28 in heavy icing at night. He made it seem so 'normal'

Another time the canopy flew off the aircraft (Tipsy Nipper) and struck the tailplaine. Jim force landed in a field - no problem.

So sorry to hear of his death.

YP