I’m sure I’m not alone in declaring my sadness. I don’t know the circumstances of the other occupant; whether pilot or passenger. It reminds those of us who fly that, despite excellent training and experience and well designed aircraft, catastrophe is an ever present possibility.

Two months ago, I put enough creases in my aircraft to render it beyond economical repair. I was fortunate and walked away with only severely damaged hindsight. It was a moment that stitches itself into your psyche.