Punched in the Face

Mike Tyson once said, "Everybody's got a plan till you get punched in the face".

I think this quote probably best describes our day here at AufderHeide Flying Service... We started this sunny day raring to go! It was calm. It was clear. It was starting to dry up. Perfect day for flying.... However, at the end of Matthew's third load around Lodges Corner he clipped a powerline running to a well in the middle of a rice field... (Minor incident) He was ok and made it back to the airport safe and sound without any major damage.

However, the plane received minor damage. The powerline took a small piece off of the top rudder and it hit the prop. Now I know very little about props and powerlines but apparently it's not a good combination. While things appeared to be ok on the outside, after talking to our mechanic, we decided we'd rather be safe than sorry. We have now pulled the prop and the engine and are sending both to the proper mechanics to get checked out. This was slightly beyond my airport mechanic'in skills...

In the meantime, our great friend, Brandon Everette has come from across the river to help us out for the next few days. He is a fabulous, experienced pilot that has helped us out a few times before. We are very thankful to have his friendship!

Mom's currently on her way to Mountain View to have to prop inspected and our trusty mechanic Robert has delivered our engine to Marianna. If all goes well he should be up and running again Monday afternoon... This is just another reminder that everyday and every load is dangerous as a crop duster. And while it stinks that we are currently grounded, I'm very thankful that it was a minor incident and that Matthew's is safe and sound.

... By the way... Who knew Mike Tyson had so much wisdom???