Glider Accident In Labelle, Fl.?

[[email protected]]

I has been reported that Tom Irlbeck was killed on Saturday while glider flying in Labelle , Florida. If anyone knows of this incident could you please confirm or dispel.

[Tango Whisky]

Le lundi 16 avril 2018 12:59:29 UTC+2, a écritÂ*:
> I has been reported that Tom Irlbeck was killed on Saturday while glider flying in Labelle , Florida. If anyone knows of this incident could you please confirm or dispel.

Well, that's a remarkable example of bad taste.
Disgusting.

[Paul Agnew]

I just got a call confirming. Very sad day for all of us.

Initial word is he got high on tow and released at about 400'. Tow pilot spotted him in a spiral. No further details and there's no value in speculation until we hear more facts about the accident.

As was relayed to me, Tom was highly experienced and was the spark that kept their small club going. His loss will be felt for a long, long time.

Paul A.

[[email protected]]

On Monday, April 16, 2018 at 6:59:29 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> I has been reported that Tom Irlbeck was killed on Saturday while glider flying in Labelle , Florida. If anyone knows of this incident could you please confirm or dispel.

Yes, I spoke with someone who had knowledge of the accident, sad news. Tom was a very experienced pilot, he really did a lot to make soaring possible in Labelle.

[waremark]

Sounds like he had an amazing flying background - carrier ops in a Phantom, instructor at Top Gun school, airlines, as well as gliding instructor. Condolences to all who knew him.

[Tom BravoMike]

On Monday, April 16, 2018 at 5:59:29 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> I has been reported that Tom Irlbeck was killed on Saturday while glider flying in Labelle , Florida. If anyone knows of this incident could you please confirm or dispel.

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=159601

[Mike Finegan[_2_]]

Tom was a good friend and partner with me in a PIK-20B. An excellent "stick" and aviation career both in the Navy and subsequently with airlines. His loss will be felt both in Florida and here in MN/WI.

Ask that we not speculate as to cause in this forum.

Thanks!
Mike

[[email protected]]

On Monday, April 16, 2018 at 5:59:29 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> I has been reported that Tom Irlbeck was killed on Saturday while glider flying in Labelle , Florida. If anyone knows of this incident could you please confirm or dispel.

Tom is my cousin and we in Minnesota received word Sunday morning of his tragic death in a glider accident. I understand that an investigation to its cause is underway. We have not received any further word, other than a memorial service will be held in May. I have no further details and am as anxious as his flying friends to know more.
Tracy Tolzmann, Harris, MN

[[email protected]]

Sadly, it’s true. It happened Saturday afternoon. Tom was on tow. The tow pilot reported Tom’s glider started flying erratically. Tom requested the tow pilot to head back to the field. Then he released, pitched up, stalled and entered a spin. A medical issue or incapacitation I suspected.

This is approximately third-hand information. No other details at this time. The source is Tom’s brother Paul. Tom will be dearly missed.

[[email protected]]

On Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 10:09:10 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> On Monday, April 16, 2018 at 5:59:29 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> > I has been reported that Tom Irlbeck was killed on Saturday while glider flying in Labelle , Florida. If anyone knows of this incident could you please confirm or dispel.
>
> Tom is my cousin and we in Minnesota received word Sunday morning of his tragic death in a glider accident. I understand that an investigation to its cause is underway. We have not received any further word, other than a memorial service will be held in May. I have no further details and am as anxious as his flying friends to know more.
> Tracy Tolzmann, Harris, MN


Tracy, Tom was a great guy. He volunteered with us for the SSA exhibit at Oshkosh whenever he could. I saw him in FL last month and was looking forward to seeing him at AirVenture again in July. He will surely be missed. Anne M.

[[email protected]]

My best friend from college, and throughout my adult life has been Tom’s eldest son, Jon. We are both pilots and I met Mr. Tom Irlbeck a few times in my life. With those brief encounters he left a lasting impression with me. When I was much younger he had no particular reason to take the time to talk and listen to me, but he did. That type of caring, from someone you have met only met a few times, is maybe something this world needs more of.

He and Jon have helped me along with advice throughout my career, including a recommendation to fly for Continental Airlines. The tragic news of this accident, is so incredibly sad for me. I am sure he is looking down from Heaven at us all, and someday we can all meet him again.

An address to send flowers and condolences would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Eric Reid

[[email protected]]

On Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 10:00:43 PM UTC-5, wrote:
> My best friend from college, and throughout my adult life has been Tom’s eldest son, Jon. We are both pilots and I met Mr. Tom Irlbeck a few times in my life. With those brief encounters he left a lasting impression with me. When I was much younger he had no particular reason to take the time to talk and listen to me, but he did. That type of caring, from someone you have met only met a few times, is maybe something this world needs more of.
>
> He and Jon have helped me along with advice throughout my career, including a recommendation to fly for Continental Airlines. The tragic news of this accident, is so incredibly sad for me. I am sure he is looking down from Heaven at us all, and someday we can all meet him again.
>
> An address to send flowers and condolences would be much appreciated.
>
> Regards,
> Eric Reid





Hello all: Tom was a good friend of mine and a large part of our local RV aircraft builders club. Here is his obit just posted:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/national-cremation/obituary.aspx?n=THOMAS-IRLBECK&lc=5476&pid=188777088&mid=7824321

Doug Weiler, pres, Twin Cities RV Builders Group
Hudson, WI

[2G]

On Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 6:32:02 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> On Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 10:00:43 PM UTC-5, wrote:
> > My best friend from college, and throughout my adult life has been Tom’s eldest son, Jon. We are both pilots and I met Mr. Tom Irlbeck a few times in my life. With those brief encounters he left a lasting impression with me. When I was much younger he had no particular reason to take the time to talk and listen to me, but he did. That type of caring, from someone you have met only met a few times, is maybe something this world needs more of.
> >
> > He and Jon have helped me along with advice throughout my career, including a recommendation to fly for Continental Airlines. The tragic news of this accident, is so incredibly sad for me. I am sure he is looking down from Heaven at us all, and someday we can all meet him again.
> >
> > An address to send flowers and condolences would be much appreciated.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Eric Reid
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello all: Tom was a good friend of mine and a large part of our local RV aircraft builders club. Here is his obit just posted:
>
> http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/national-cremation/obituary.aspx?n=THOMAS-IRLBECK&lc=5476&pid=188777088&mid=7824321
>
> Doug Weiler, pres, Twin Cities RV Builders Group
> Hudson, WI

AFAIK, I never met Tom, but after reading the obit, I have the strong feeling that I would have liked him instantly. God speed, Tom.

Tom