Summertime DA Reminder

[Clark]

Pass along to your friends, "Don't be a DA..."

June 21, 2008 - 10:58AM FROM STAFF REPORTS

"BIG BEAR — The pilot and passenger of an airplane managed to swim to
safety after the small plane went down into Baker Pond in Big Bear
Saturday morning, according to officials.

At about 10:30 a.m. rescue personnel received calls of an airplane
crashing into the pond, according to Arden Wiltshire, spokesperson for
the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The two occupants were able to get out of the Cessna 172 before it
sank into the west end of the pond and swim to shore, according to
officials. Neither person sustained any injuries. It is still unknown
what caused the plane to crash. The incident is still under
investigation."

http://www.vvdailypress.com /news/bear_7059___article.html /
big_airplane.html


I don't know what happened this time at Big Bear but it reminded me of
a hazard that pops up at high altitude airports every summer. Big Bear
is good for flying in and grabbing breakfast. Nice and cool when you
land. The natural tendency is for folks to top off the tanks like they
did back at their sea level, 15 degree C airport. It's not gonna work
out at elevation 6752 feet when it warms up, you're full of fuel and
carrying pax. It takes longer to get to flying speed and you climb
slower. Big Bear also has some restrictive terrain, so it's best to
call ahead and get some local knowledge before heading that way. And
take a good look at those performance numbers, before you go!

Enjoy the pancakes and Fly Smart,
Kent