More detail on this person: Crashed in bad
weather while flying a mail plane building fixed
wing time so he could get an airline job. We were
both Instrument IP's at FT Rucker, AL teaching the
standard instrument rating for Army, Air Force,
and Foreign Allies. We taught during 1971 to 1972.
Gary was caught in the first RIF and was dischared
at the end of February (?) 1972. I had been
transfered in the meantime to the RWQC for fixed
wing pilots and did not get to say goodbye as he
departed. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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Gary obtained a job as a Mail Pilot flying
Beech-18'S for rural deliveries to small airports.
I learned of his death in April of 1972. Gary was
flying in near 100 ft conditions, and he landed
very hard resulting in a noseover and crash that
resulted in a fire. Gary was severely burned which
resulted in his death due to complications 4-5
days after the accident. Gary's goal was to build
time in fixed wing aircraft so that he could
eventually work for the airlines.
I know that Gary was a slick pilot for an AHC
(116th, 118th, 174th, Americal ?) Gary was single
and may have been an orphan or had only an
estranged mother. May have been Korea instead
of Vietnam. Need to verify.
I wish I had more information, but this is all
that my diary reflects.
From: Bill Hamrick