Pilot killed in P-40 crash

Kyt · Apr 9, 2009

SON WATCHES DAD CRASH WW2 PLANE - New York Post

A pilot practicing aerial maneuvers was killed today after he nose-dived a vintage World War II plane into the waters off Long Island before more than 100 horrified spectators -- including his own son, officials said.

Bob Baranaskas, 61 of Northport was killed when the single-engine plane splashed into the water at about 1:30 p.m. nearly 300 yards off Mastic Beach in the Suffolk County town of Shirley, police said.

Police said the pilot's son, Chris, who is also a pilot, was on the beach when the crash occurred.

"There was not a day that my father didn't climb into the cockpit and realize that he was entrusted with a piece of our American military heritage so that he could tell our country's story," the son said in a statement.

"He was in every sense of the world, my wingman and now my wingman is gone but our mission continues."

Scores of people enjoying the beautiful weather watched as the plane went into a twirling nosedive from which it never recovered.

Helicopters and Coast Guard crews were still searching for the Baranaskas' body.

"People were watching because of the tricks and then it just went right down," said Roberta Fuentes, a witness from Bayside. "It was hard to believe your own eyes."

Suffolk County cops said the pilot was practicing for an upcoming Memorial Day air show.

Officials described the plane as a privately-owned, authentic single seat P-40 War Hawk, the same type of plane that drew fire during the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that pulled the US into World War II.

An oil slick marked the spot where the plane crashed. Helicopters and coast guard crews joined the search for the pilot's body.

The plane crashed just east of the Flight 800 Memorial in Smith Point Park, which commemorates those killed when a Paris-bound TWA airliner carrying 230 passengers and crew exploded in 1996.

Baranaskas, a luxury home builder, flew the plane at parades and during holidays honoring veterans and soldiers.

"Bob was one of those handfuls of people who understood the enormous debt we owe our veterans and those still in uniform," said US Rep Steve Israel (D-Long Island).
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Antipodean Andy · Apr 9, 2009

I heard about this yesterday but couldn't find out who the pilot and aircraft were. RIP.

Warbirds Over Long Island

spidge · Apr 9, 2009

What shock that would be!

To watch your own father crash to his death.

Colonel Klink · Apr 9, 2009

Very sad indeed.

Kitty · Apr 9, 2009

What a dreadful loss

Gage · Apr 9, 2009

Awful news. RIP.

Adrian Roberts · Apr 9, 2009

Very sad for his family. Warbird pilots all too often make the ultimate sacrifice for the movement and for our entertainment.

The P40 in particular can be tricky in some circumstances, and aerobatics at low altitude can leave even the experienced pilot with little chance if an unexpected spin or spiral dive happens.

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Pilot killed in P-40 crash

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Pilot killed in P-40 crash

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