We completed the Montana search pilot clinic in Kalispell on Sunday. We
could not get into our planned air strips; Spotted Bear, Ferndale and
Whitefish as they were not visible unless directly overhead because of low
scud, so we staged out of Kalispell City S-27. At the time I believe a
person could have flown into Shaffer as there was a slight wind from the NE
and was clear in that direction. On Saturday, we practiced mountain search
techniques out of Spotted Bear 8U4 in a 172 (210 hp). I think Jeanne called
it a C-142 military model, no prop spinner, and a C-182 (4 pilots per
plane). After 3 hours of 1 on 1 instruction, we took of first in the 182 and
the instructor told the pilot to fly south down the valley, direct to S-27
was blocked, and the north looked impassable over the Hungry Horse
reservoir. We dropped over into the swan valley through a good size hole and
proceeded north towards Ferndale under a low ceiling. When got to the end of
Swan lake and the path was blocked, we turned around and discovered the hole
had closed. The instructor proceeded to the Condon airstrip and parked the
plane as he said he has seen this way too many times. After about an hour, A
friend of his, recognized the plane and stopped to give us 3 students a ride
to S-27, a 1.5 hour DRIVE. After about an hour, The Instructor flew in. The
172 was not back. After about an hour we heard the plane tried to get out
but had to returned back to Spotted Bear, as they hit their 30 min fuel
reserve. It took over 3 hours, one way, to get them 10 gallons of fuel and
by that time the weather was ok to go direct to S-27. What a lesson to be
learned.
The best part was Sparky Imeson was one of the Instructors/Lectures
http://www.mountainflying.com/

The worst part, was the mission on Monday did not have to be flown.

My sincere condolences to all of the families involved.

Pat Thronson
Babb, MT




"Newps" wrote in message
...
For the article see the link. The wx was absolute crap when they left.



http://www.billingsgazette.com/index...-survivors.inc



Hilton wrote:

Angel Flight Loses Member, Wing Leader, and Friend
See: http://www.angelflight.org and http://www.angelflight.org/colorado


Dear AFW Members,