GA Plane crash in Austin, TX

[Russian]

Piper 150.

That's a lot of damage for such a small aircraft. I was expecting something along size of Beechjet 400A

[2ADoc]

The news is saying it was a 180 Cherokee.  it could have been anything from a 180 Cherokee, to a 235 Cherokee, to a Piper warrior.  The news could not tell the differece between a Warrior and a Cessna P210.  A Piper warrior has 50 gals total fuel, with 48 useable, I believe that a 180 carries a little more fuel, but I am not sure, I don't have the manual for it.  Remember that it is 100ll and is a lot more volatile than JP is.  It is really a shame that he involved General Aviation in his problem.  That is all we need, the FAA is already trying to get more involved with us.  This will give them the fuel that they needed to impose more restrictions on us getting to our planes on the fields.  As it is I have a hard time visiting a friend at his airport, since I do not have a plane based there.  And on top of that he ruined a perfectly good plane. 

[indy007]

That's a lot of damage for such a small aircraft. I was expecting something along size of Beechjet 400A

Click over to FW. AirScrew I think it was actually saw the thing flying around before the crash.

[Wolfala]

Feds calling it a PA28-236 Piper Dakota N2889D Gross 3000 lbs, 1608 empty, 72 gallons. It's not about a small plane crashing into a building.  It's about a man attacking the IRS  - that's what everyone is watching for. I am sure that USA Today will write a balanced piece stating that ultimately security is vulnerable to anyone with sufficient motivation to kill themselves and that GA shouldn't be singled out in this regard. FYI, someone commented on CNN and wanted to know why the F16's were not scrambled earlier b/c he did not file a flight plan...

Judging from the damage to the building and the obvious planning this psycho put into this, I wouldn't be surprised if the FBI finds explosives or accelerants in addition to Avgas.

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=2889D

[mechanic]

That's terrible. Seems lucky that so few were killed or injured.

It IS an act of terrorism. It's just not performed by a muslim from over seas. Lets get some equality in this world. This is terrorism equaly as any other selfish act.

My thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

[2ADoc]

Well I was close on the type.

[RedTop]

A mile maybe two from my work.  Lots of black smoke.

Your in Austin ded? I had no idea!!!!  Wish I had known...you could have had dinner with Snaphook , wrongway babyseal and myself couple weeks ago.

[RedTop]

First I heard was disgruntled software guy pissed off at the IRS and Government. He posted a manifesto of sorts saying he had enough of taxation without representation.

won't be suprised to see more of this typpe of action.

[trax1]

Judging from the damage to the building and the obvious planning this psycho put into this, I wouldn't be surprised if the FBI finds explosives or accelerants in addition to Avgas.

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised either if he didn't fill the plane up with extra fuel containers or some type of explosive.

[Denholm]

Thank you mechanic for leveling the playing field. Although Arabic individuals are more renown for terroristic actions, they're not the only ones committing acts of terrorism.

It's truly sad to see one disgruntled man give up and take as many with him in the process. Although nobody died today (thankfully), thousands of people will feel the impact of this person's actions.

[2ADoc]

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised either if he didn't fill the plane up with extra fuel containers or some type of explosive.

I truly hope not, while I feel for the people that were in the building, as a pilot, we in general Aviation do not need this kind of reputation. The FAA is already coming down on all flight schools, and General Aviation Operators. Such as that are trying to make it so that any Private plane over 12500 pounds has to hold the same restrictions as an airliner.  AOPA and other such organizations are fighting this now. Now 12500 pound does not sound like a small plane, but it will include such planes as A DC-3, Beech 18s, Pilatus PC21's and planes of that size, it will also include the Cessna Citation, the most popular personal Turbine produced in the U.S.   This incident did nothing but add fuel to that fire. The Expenses that this will incur to charter lines, any Part 135, part 91, or part 141 operators will enormous. IN an industry that is already hurting from almost 5.00 a gal fuel prices they will be hard pressed to stay in business.

This is not meant to be a political post but an educational one, relating the possible ramifications of this rash act and its possible effects on General Aviation.

[1pLUs44]

The guy took off out of Georgetown Municipal (not even a mile from where I go to school at.) When I drove home, there were feds all over the normal route I take home, and the road to the airport was completely closed down (I drove by it as well.) On one side, there were unmarked black cars and cops all over the place, on the other side, news and everything. My mom works at Seton Northwest, which is really close (I think she said right next to it) to where she works.

[RedTop]

The guy took off out of Georgetown Municipal (not even a mile from where I go to school at.) When I drove home, there were feds all over the normal route I take home, and the road to the airport was completely closed down (I drove by it as well.) On one side, there were unmarked black cars and cops all over the place, on the other side, news and everything. My mom works at Seton Northwest, which is really close (I think she said right next to it) to where she works.

Used to be my FBO.

[fudgums]

Just the first in many I think, sadly.

[AKHog]

someone commented on CNN and wanted to know why the F16's were not scrambled earlier b/c he did not file a flight plan...

Obviously this guy doesn't know much about aviation, you don't need a flight plan for normal day VFR flying.