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-   -   ATAC jet down, KNFL (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/military/65868-atac-jet-down-knfl.html)

Grumble 03-08-2012 06:45 AM

Sad news, the world is definitely a lesser place without him. Naval Aviation has lost one of it's great ambassadors and champions.

I'll miss following his blog. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

jungle 03-08-2012 11:02 AM

One of the quotes from his blog, the words of a true warrior:

"Μολὼν λαβέ" -- Leonidas

Chinabug 03-08-2012 03:04 PM


Originally Posted by Albief15 (Post 1147292)
From his blog:

It made for a somewhat subdued conversation afterward, but this is how we remind ourselves that for all the larks that are in it, there are tigers in the grass as well.

I never knew the man, but he was a poet. RIP.

Knew him well...great American, fantastic pilot, and the epitome of the best compliment for an aviator bro: A good ****.

FSA: The memorial is being planned for late next week in San Diego. Exact details tbd and I'll post when I know.

USMCFLYR 03-09-2012 06:08 AM

The Lahontan Valley News is a little late in getting to it - but this article has a picture of Lex and his wife together. there was also a website recently making a push for the newest LPD to be named in his honor.

Pilot identified from Tuesday's crash at NAS Fallon | LahontanValleyNews.com

USMCFLYR

USMCFLYR 05-03-2012 11:37 AM

Preliminary NTSB report.

I'm surprised that the NTSB is investigating since it was a public use aircraft on USN property, but I'm glad that the report will be made available.


NTSB Identification: DCA12PA049
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Tuesday, March 06, 2012 in Fallon, NV
Aircraft: ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES F21-C2, registration: N404AX
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be
corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 6, 2012 at 0914 pacific standard time, an Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir F-21C2 single-seat
turbojet fighter type aircraft, registration N404AX, operated by Airborne Tactical Advantage Company
(ATAC) under contract to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as a civil public aircraft operation, crashed
upon landing at Naval Air Station Fallon, Fallon, Nevada. The sole occupant pilot aboard was killed, and the
airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and fire. The flight had departed Fallon at 0752 the
same day, and attempted to return following an adversary training mission. The pilot initiated two Ground
Control Approach (GCA) radar approaches to Fallon and then attempted to divert to Reno but was unable
to land there as the field was reporting below minimum weather conditions. The pilot then turned back
toward Fallon and stated to air traffic controllers that he was in a critical fuel state. The pilot descended
and maneuvered first toward runway 31, then toward runway 13. The airplane struck the ground in an
open field in the northwest corner of the airport property and impacted a concrete building on the field.
Weather at the time of the accident was reported as snowing with northerly winds of 23 knots gusting to
34 knots, and visibility between one-half and one and one-half miles.
USMCFLYR

chrisreedrules 05-03-2012 04:22 PM

damn... not the best conditions at all

Hawk 285 05-03-2012 04:59 PM

Sad news indeed. Are the ejection seats in the KFIR maintained or disabled?

USMCFLYR 05-03-2012 05:33 PM


Originally Posted by Hawk 285 (Post 1181420)
Sad news indeed. Are the ejection seats in the KFIR maintained or disabled?

Maintained.
And they work - reference the ejection of my lead at Fallon in July '10 :(
ATAC is a top notch company in my opinion. Both on the operation side and the maintenance side. Their top maintainer was one of the top guy's in charge of the East Coast Hornet RAG maintenance when I was there as an instructor. Not all - but it seems that many of the maintainers either come from Oceana or Langley.
There is no question as to the quality of aviator that Lex embodied. This mishap will be one that all aviators can learn from when the final report comes out and hope that none of us ever find ourselves in a similar situation.

USMCFLYR

Hawk 285 05-04-2012 04:58 AM


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 1181446)
Maintained.
And they work - reference the ejection of my lead at Fallon in July '10 :(
ATAC is a top notch company in my opinion. Both on the operation side and the maintenance side. Their top maintainer was one of the top guy's in charge of the East Coast Hornet RAG maintenance when I was there as an instructor. Not all - but it seems that many of the maintainers either come from Oceana or Langley.
There is no question as to the quality of aviator that Lex embodied. This mishap will be one that all aviators can learn from when the final report comes out and hope that none of us ever find ourselves in a similar situation.

USMCFLYR

Well said, USMCFLYR. Wasnt implying anything at all. I have nothing but respect for the ATAC bubbas out there. Always had a professional (and fun) event when training with them.

Hawk

HuggyU2 05-04-2012 07:44 PM


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 1181208)
I'm surprised that the NTSB is investigating since it was a public use aircraft...

I don't think it was a public use aircraft. ATSI is a private contractor doing gov't work. As such, I don't believe they qualify as 'public use'.


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