Close to home - 10C Galt Fld, Wonder Lake, IL

[Racerx]

This one is a rather tough one and while I only met him a couple times, left an impression. Held off on posting until it was public knowledge even though I knew the day it happened. Claude did a lot for the GA community and will be missed. The first fatal of someone I've met/known personally.

https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest...t-owner-killed-in-plane-crash-in-wonder-lake/

https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/...der-lake-identified-as-owner-of-galt-airport/

 

[texasclouds]

Sad to hear. Let us know if you find out what happened.

 

[MauleSkinner]

Especially rough when it happens to someone you know. Condolences to you and the pilot’s family.

 

[sourdough44]

I’ve never been to Galt, know right were it is though.

 

[NordicDave]

I knew Claude. Great guy. Local speculation is he had to avoid another plane not following proper pattern rules and lost control in a stall. He had all the toys... P-51, Stearman, Extra 300, etc. His hangar was the place to hang out.

 

[Albany Tom]

Sorry for you loss. I've only had it happen once, but it's not just sad when you lose someone you know to an accident. It somehow seems to bring home the concept that this thing we do sometimes ends badly.

 

[Racerx]

Sorry for you loss. I've only had it happen once, but it's not just sad when you lose someone you know to an accident. It somehow seems to bring home the concept that this thing we do sometimes ends badly.

I barely knew him. Only met a few times. But yeah, the sad realism that this fun hobby could end in tragedy has made it less fun

 

[Racerx]

I knew Claude. Great guy. Local speculation is he had to avoid another plane not following proper pattern rules and lost control in a stall. He had all the toys... P-51, Stearman, Extra 300, etc. His hangar was the place to hang out.

I'll add that to my list of speculative stories I've heard.

 

[Capngrog]

What airplane was he flying at the time of the crash?