Thorp Air Command - T18.net

We had six Thorps tied down when the tornado hit. Richard Bentley's, Bob Highley and Lee Walton survived without a scratch. David Read and Les Conwell's both suffered severe damage. Bill Williams' took at hit on the tail feathers.
The low country boil came off with out a hitch even though this was the tent that had 70? people trapped. They dismantled it, put it back together. There were around 44 people for the boil.
The Thorp's did great this year in judging. Lee Walton picked up the award for the Best Classic Homebuilt with Bob Highley (fresh paint) pick up the Best Metal Homebuilt. Way to go guys.

First of all congratulations to Bob and Lee, you both earned the recognition you will recieve after all of the hard work you put into your planes. Karen and I made it back home in the uhaul this evening with the wounded plane in the back. Tomorrow I will start dealing with the insurance and figuring out what I am going to do. Reguardless, 718DR will fly again, the only question is how soon. It is humbling the outpouring of sympathy from all of our friends and the offers for help have been overwhelming. I had no less than 6 folks planning to come haul me back home with trailers not to mention those whom I am sure would have helped had I asked. Thanks especially to Bill, Doug, Lee, Duke and Derek who helped disassemble and load the plane. Thanks also to the Highleys and Williams for putting us up after our campsite self destructed as well. If anyone tries to tell you there are no good people left in the world don't you believe it.

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David Read
Olney, Illinois
N718DR

After seeing the first photos of the carnage and 718DR turtled, I think most of us were quite relieved to know you, Karen and everyone else came out safe. Hopefully things will work out to where OSH is still a possibility.

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Glad to hear you and Karen made it back home safe. I've lived here all my life, and I cannot remember the weather being that severe, so early in the season. Let me know if you need anything.

Duke Raven
Lakeland, FL.

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Duke Raven
S18#68

Here are a few photos from Sun N Fun this year, 2011

Thursday morning before the mayhem started
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Five Thorps and 2 Mustang IIs, David Reed's plane on the end.

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Another Thorp in a different row.

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Bob Highley's new paint and Bill William's plane.

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Les Conwell's and Lee Walton's birds.

After the main storm cell passed thru from inside a vendor hangar.
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Friday morning
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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Sad, but give it a few hours and!

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