Glider Accident In Labelle, Fl.?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/communit...d.php?t=159601

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

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

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.

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.