Plane Accident

[Dave Fitzgerald]

April 4th, 2009
I am very very sad to announce that Harley McGatha was involved in an accident today. He was flying his 7HC Champ from (C22) to the the new airport (PYP) where he keeps his Comanche. All I know so far is that he was departing C22 and no one is sure yet but we think it might have been a mechanical problem. A short distance from the take off end of the runway the Champ crashed through some trees and hit a house. The plane burned and Harley received third degree burns over an estimated 85 to 90% of his body. I have no further information on Harley's condition at this time. His son, Thomas called me about 6 pm today to inform us of the accident. Linda and I will be in contact with Alecia, Harley's wife, and will post any changes. Please keep Harley and his family in your prayers.

Link: http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0409/610401.html

April 5th, 2009
I just received a call (8:00am eastren time) from Thomas, Harleys son, and he said Harley past away at 6:26 this morning. I will post any further information I receive from Harley's family. We have all lost a very special person.

[Don Nelson]

That's awful news Dave, but thanks for the heads up.

I hope Harley and his family know we're all pulling for him to come thru this one too. From all we know now it sounds grim, but we also know he's a fighter and can do it if it's possible.

Best all, Don

PS, Dave, please let us know where we can send best wishes to Harley and Family. Thanks.

[Bruce Thumann]

Same here Dave. Please keep us posted and let us know if there is anything we can do on this end.

Bruce

[Kristin Winter]

Dave,

Let me add my voice to the request to keep us posted. I am grief stricken for Harley and his family. Words fail!

[FLSARGE]

I am so sorry to hear of this accident. Our prayers go out to Harley and his family. Please keep us posted as to details.

Frank Sargeant

[Sally A. Williams]

This is very sad news. We pray today for Harley and Alecia and the McGatha family.

Sally Williams

[Bernie Mazurek]

Sorry to hear about Harley's accident. I'll keep Harley and his family in my prayers.

Bernie Mazurek

[Charlie Tripp]

Local news story:
http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/p ... 56746.html

[howard]

That is a good man that pulled Harley out of what would have probably been a gasoline and fabric fed fire, How do we get to him ,to thank him and appreciate his bravery?
Howard

[Dale Vandever]

Howard the man's name is Ricky Wright. I expect that you could contact him at the local news paper. The message before yours has a link to the paper along with some very horrific photos.

Dale

[Scott Ducey]

Dave, if you could let us all know the details regarding arrangements. I would like to send flowers.

Scott

[David Pyle]

Many of us knew Harley. He was easy to know. He had time for everyone. He had a big heart and great courage. Some years ago he nearly died in a motorcycle accident. He made it through that. Flying was Harley.

[Kristin Winter]

Dave,

I second Scott's request. I would like to send flowers for the family. For Harley, I am going to make an extra donation to CFF. I can't think of any other way to honor Harley's love of flying and love of his Comanche.

[N3322G]

Dave,

Had to be one sad day for you to have to get the word to the Comanche community about Harley. Thank you for sharing the tough news. Not something you think about having to do as a President of a volunteer organization.

As I run the checklist for my next flight, I'll dedicate the flight to Harley and his family.

As Harley has joined other storied Comanche pilots, Max Conrad, Marion Jayne ... - I know he can hear my thanks for all of his Comanche contributions.

[Jay]

What a shock. That's terrible news, my thoughts are prayers are with his family. Harley was one of those rare, room filling, get things done with a ton of good cheer guys that life never has enough of. Our world is a smaller, sadder and quieter place without him.

Jay