Devastating Plane Crash in Wellington Residential Airpark
A few hours ago we heard some devastating news regarding a plane crash at the Wellington Aero Club. We are waiting to hear more from The From the Federal Aviation Administration but here is the information that we gathered so far.
Just like most residential airparks pilots in the community perform Aerial Aerobatics, and neighbors spotted Leonard practicing landing and taking off the private runway along with doing loops prior to hearing the motor sputtering and pop before the Sonex dove into the Lake at the Wellington dog park.
Before police arrived an off duty paramedic happened to be nearby and jumped into the water to find the veteran pilot dead inside the cockpit. Leonard McGarity death’s shocked the pilots at the residential airpark, where airpark residents enjoy access to the paved private runway.
Sonex Experimental Aircraft Crash
Leonard piloting a Sonex, single engine, experimental aircraft weighing over 1000 lbs and cruising at speeds of 170mph is usually known for being a safe experimental aircraft made of lightweight, metal, holding up to two people. The experimental aircraft had been airborne several times prior to the incident with out any issues.
The entire Wellington Aero Club community respected McGarity 8 year resident of the aviation community whom had flown helicopters in the Marines, and logged thousands of hours with American Airlines. This is not a common occurrence at Wellington Aero Club or in residential airparks in general.
Our condolences go out to Leoanrd’s family and the residents of the Wellington Aero Club.
It is thought by many that the accidents cause was due a defect in the engine of the Sonex because Leonard was extremely experienced in aerobatics. This is a strategy that should not have happened to such an experienced pilot ,and we are waiting to formally hear what was the cause of the crash.
