Missing King Air 200?

Navajo Chief · Post by **Navajo Chief** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:45 pm

Hello all,

The staff at Northern Thunderbird Air has started an e-mail address for anyone who knew Mike Black or Mike Bracht to post pictures or funny or memorable stories. The email address is:

atributetomikeandmike@yahoo.ca

the password is:

mikesquared

For anyone who knew the boys feel free to post any pictures or stories you may have and check the emails frequently at http://www.yahoo.ca ....

From all the staff and friends at NTAir....

g5 · Post by g5 » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:16 am

...[edit]

I guess I won't be making it to Kelowna this weekend for the funeral. As usual I can't get the time off, such is life in aviation...

My thoughts are with you Mike, your family and everyone close to you including your son. I'm glad I had the chance to fly with you, a lot of people are going to miss you.

ryan

CA YAZ · Post by **CA YAZ** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 11:16 am

Sorry to hear about your loss..Our condolences to the pilots families, Nt Air, and all involved..They sound like they were great guys and will be missed by many.

Craig Air

bandaid · Post by **bandaid** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 11:44 am

Might be hard for some of you guys to find accomadations on such short notice in Kelowna. I have 2 bedrooms that I would be happy to lend out for any of you pilots coming into town on the weekend for the funeral. Both have queen size beds if you are bringing your significant other. PM me if I can help.
Bandaid

TR Deployment · Post by **TR Deployment** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 9:57 pm

I am putting together a small video of pics and video of Mike Black. If anyone has pics they would like to contribute it would make it much better. If anyone has actual video of Mike i would really appreciate that as well. Once the vid is finished it will be posted on a website for viewing. If you would like to contribute please feel free to send pics to:

dawnlucey@shaw.ca

If you have video please email me and i will make arrangements to copy or use the tapes temporarily.

Thanks very much and god bless

Chris Lucey

YVRButterfly · Post by **YVRButterfly** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 12:16 am

Uncontrollable tears stream down my face as I read all these words....

My head scrambles to find some sense of it all...

My heart aches...

Bracht...you were a stellar guy and I am honored to have known you for the time that I did...I will miss our heart to hearts buddy!

MJB...I miss you more than words could ever explain...You were my world and you took my breath away each and every day! There is not a moment that passes that I am not thinking about you baby and remembering the good times...I miss your giggle brat and Rolo ice cream will just never be the same without you! "Seriously!! (and stuff like that)" Sweet dreams baby! Can't wait to nap with you again some day!

Memories of blue eyes and big perfect smiles!

Keep flyin' boys!!

Cheers!

Clearwater · Post by **Clearwater** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 3:33 pm

cloudrunner · Post by **cloudrunner** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 4:32 pm

To the Boy's Loved Ones.

What a loss.. My deepest condolences to all of you.

Your sorrow is not lost on us, as We, his brothers also feel your sadness.

And with this I want to thank the brave ladies who kiss us goodbye every morning, knowing that we do what we do for our own selfish reasons, and know that it just couldn't be any other way.
That's why you love us, because we are passionate about life, we are passionate about our flying, but most of all, we are passionate about You, in the end, our reason for being.

Behind any great pilot is a greater woman.

Godspeed Brothers.

Shen · Post by **Shen** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 7:38 pm

I think by now the cause of the crash is becoming more clear by the day . The word in the community ..... Not sure if i believe it all ....lets wait for the final report .but anybody who has been on this route empty on a sunny day ....... Certain rumours about certain statements heard in a bar the night before ? I was not there i can not confirm .....
I dont belive all the rumours floating around , facts are facts
Rest in peace ......

LostinRotation · Post by **LostinRotation** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 8:30 pm

Then lets not mention them at all.

This post is about friends and fellow pilots that were lost...not speculation.

-=0=LIR=0=-

Shen · Post by **Shen** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 9:26 pm

thank you , because i am so sick of hearing the stories every day , thats why i posted , did not mean to offend , thanks .

boeingboy · Post by **boeingboy** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:07 pm

Is there anything official as far as the investigation goes?

Did the aircraft have a CVR?

DeskDriver · Post by **DeskDriver** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 4:43 pm

I will weigh in with a few thoughts. I knew Mike Black; a fine man. What needs to be said has been said and I doubt I can offer much more. I am pleased to have shared a handful of memories with him.

Regarding the TSB investigation. Currently it is at its most basic level.

----------------------------------------Occurrence----------------------------------------
Occurrence No. : A05P0184

Occurrence Type: ACCIDENT
Class : CLASS 3
Reportable Type
Date : 28-07-2005

Time : 09:10 PDT
Region of Responsibility : PACIFIC

Location : SHOVELNOSE CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Aircraft Information
Registration : C-FCGL
Operator NORTHERN THUNDERBIRD AIR
Manufacturer BEECH
Operator Type COMMERCIAL
Model :200

CARs Info: 704 - COMMUTER
Injuries:
Fatal : 2
Serious : 0
Minor : 0
None : 0
Unknown : 0

Occurrence Summary :

A05P0184: A05P0189: The Northern Thunderbird Air Beechcraft King Air 200
(NTA202 / C-FCGL) departed Vancouver at about 08:45 PDT on 28 July 2005 for
a VFR flight to Smithers, BC, with a crew of 2 on board. The aircraft did
not arrive at destination and a search was commenced at 11:30 PDT. The
aircraft was found on 30 Jul 2005. The crash site was on the side of a
mountain, just below a saddle at about 3900 feet elevation, in an area of
very high terrain. Both occupants were deceased. A post-crash fire destroyed
most of the aircraft.

_________________________

I apologise for the formating.

The TSB will continue on with the investigation. In some time (seems to be often 6 months or so) they'll be able to tell us what they don't know. Then (in a year) what they do know, and then (when ready) issue a report with recomendations etc. Speculation is really just wild guessing at this point.

I can understand how upseting wild guesses as to the cause of the accident can be for his friends and coworkers. For those who were close to the crew, such conjecture is disrespectful to the fine men who lost their lives in this event. But I do ask that some pause be given to those who are speculating in the hope of understanding why two fine individuals are no longer with us. Different people look for closeure in different ways. For some it can only be found in the certainty of cause and effect.

We should all be mindful that different people are dealing with this in different ways at different times. And I imagine many of us are asking ourselves why (whether that question is metaphysical, or mundane).

For myself, when I worked with Mike Black, I enjoyed having a cigarette with him outside the hangar after a long day. Just chatting. Going for the odd beer. And regardless of the "Why's" of the crash, I met a good man and I shall not see him again. The leson, for me, which comes out of this is to look at my friends (in this industry and outside) a bit more carefully. To enjoy my time with them a more deeply. And to keep in touch with them more regularly.

I apologise if any of this post has offended someone or is out of line. As I said, each of us will deal with this event in different ways. The best way I know is to be mindful of the gift of friendship.

An American author, Richard Bach once wrote "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life."

Take care.

DD

Billson · Post by **Billson** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:33 pm

I am watching this post with interest as one individual in a company I once worked for took an opportunity to fly a turbo prop aircraft VFR low level and ended up buried in a hill. His death, and that of the trusting and inexperienced first officer with him was mourned at length in a public forum like this.

I look forward to reading the comments of his peers as the facts unfold.

Billson · Post by **Billson** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:56 am

Just as the young first officer who died in my case was my friend.

Read my words with a clear head and you'll realise I was not talking about your friends. As I said, when the truth comes out about this one, I'll be interested to see whats written.

FrankD · Post by **FrankD** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 7:29 am

Billson, I think "ass clown" is way too nice of a term for someone like you. I didn't know either of the people killed in this crash but if even 10% of these posts are true they sound like they were 2 great guys. As for the accident your friend was involved in I'm sure it was a tragedy but to not-so-subtly imply that the other pilot was irresponsible and caused the crash is low class beyond comprehension.

Unless you can say with all honesty you have never had a lapse judgement and done something foolish you have no business making comments like the ones you have made here anywhere, let alone in a thread that was meant to be a tribute to two classy guys who were taken from us far too early in their lives.

xsbank · Post by **xsbank** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:58 pm

Its so very sad that we have lost yet more members of our small community. Death always seems to take the best and the youngest and those with most potential. But for the rest of us, those who cannot comprehend the workings of the universe, we search for some meaning or lesson in a senseless accident in order to try and find some solace or comfort or reason why these people had to go. And if you're like me, you have trouble finding the correct words to express this longing; your postings may end up sounding crass or crude or disrespectful without meaning to. Most of us fly way better than we write, so I ask that you not flame anyone else' writings and concentrate on your own search.

Flybabe · Post by **Flybabe** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 2:42 am

I don't think anyone was trying to throw darts, guys - chill. I used to fly for Thunderbird, I hate to see this happen again. You can't help but wonder what happened, be it for learning purposes or whatever. I'm sure the two boys in question were great people.

Condolences again to the families and friends.

2FeetOnTheGround · Post by **2FeetOnTheGround** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:37 pm

I would thing the comment made about "Speculation is really just wild guessing at this point." would definitly be something to take into consideration when posting here. Combine that with the fact that family members of our two friends read this on a daily basis, I really dont think it fitting. As for the "Ass clowns" I would think it also benificial to really read over what you have to say...as I'm sure no one really intends to say something that might offend..but sometimes it just comes out that way to some people. Its hard enough on some of us without bitterness creeping into the forum. Do try to keep it friendly... I for one, am amazed, both from what I'm reading on here, and through the people I have met over the last three weeks...at the "family" my brother had. You have all been really great, through everything you have done, and the things you have said. One a few accounts, I've talked to people who have told me that "I had never met your brother, but from what I heard here today, I feel like I've known him for years" My condolences go out to Bracht's family and friends. I had the honor to not only fly with them on a short trip to and from Victoria, but also sat beside Bracht and watched in equal disgust as we watched Mike black eat some most strange things at a sushi bar. In the short time I knew him, I instantly took a liking to the guy. I only wish I had the chance to know him better. Anyways. again, thanks to all of you for everything.

FrankD · Post by **FrankD** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:46 am

I'm not saying the pilot was blameless and I am always a proponent of learning from the mistakes of others. My main point with Bilosn was that this thread is not an appropriate place for a discussion like this. This thread was meant to be a tribute to two guys who by all accounts were great people. I never met either one of them and after reading everything here I can't help but feel a bit sad that I didn't.

Yes, lets learn from others mistakes but lets do it at a more appropriate time.

One last thing...do you know the aircraft was perfectly serviceable when the accident occured? Yes, it may well have been when it took off but are in-flight failures impossible in your world? I think you need to keep speculation to a minimum and not speak in absolutes.

Challenger · Post by **Challenger** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:08 am

We must remember the many family and friends offering their condolences and stories on this thread, as it helps with the grieving process - Some are not privvy to the in's and out's of commercial aviation and therefore may find some posts insensitive. I really hope those that are commenting on the accident can consider their comments and be sensitive to others that may not entirely be interested in your educated comments.
We as pilots are taught timing and finesse in the cockpit, lets use it on this forum as well.

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:26 am

This may be a thread that the moderators should lock.

Cat

tincanflyer · Post by **tincanflyer** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:30 am

Cat Driver wrote:This may be a thread that the moderators should lock.

Cat

get lost cat!....alot of friends and families are emjoying reading this!! i saw LEAVE it open and leave the pilot error specutlation for the TSB report

Swamp Donkey · Post by **Swamp Donkey** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:09 pm

Challenger wrote:We must remember the many family and friends offering their condolences and stories on this thread, as it helps with the grieving process - Some are not privvy to the in's and out's of commercial aviation and therefore may find some posts insensitive. I really hope those that are commenting on the accident can consider their comments and be sensitive to others that may not entirely be interested in your educated comments.
We as pilots are taught timing and finesse in the cockpit, lets use it on this forum as well.

Good post Challenger, and Cat, I think it may be too late as planedriver70 has already stuck both feet in his mouth.

Lets keep this to a discussion of two great pilots, who passed before their time.

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:21 pm

I don't think some of these "offensive" comments are unwarranted. We can still pay our respects while warning others of a possible human factor. Sadly, there has been way too many people die this summer, and I guess we should do whatever it takes to prevent more deaths, even if it possibly offends some. This accident has given me a wakeup call as well.

My 0$0.02

Missing King Air 200?

Need Pictures