Younkin Hospitalized, Expected To Make Full Recovery

ANN Real-Time Update, 11.11.09, 0841 EST: Matt Younkin has undergone a successful surgery for injuries to an arm and is now expected to make a full recovery. A statement by the Younkin family confirms that the accident occured in Matt's Grandfather's 'Mullicoupe' one of three such airframes in existence. The statement notes that, "Matt Younkin was injured while flying the Younkin Mullicoupe on Tuesday afternoon. During his flight he experienced a loss of power and was forced into an emergency landing near a model airplane field south of his home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Matt's injuries are non-life threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2010 airshow season. We would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time."

ANN Real-Time Update, 11.11.09, 0012 EST: Conflicting reports have come in concerning which aircraft is involved in this accident, but much more important, late word is reaching us that suggests that Matt will survive this accident. Surgery was performed this afternoon in order to deal with the injuries he suffered at impact and recovery prospects are said to be positive -- while additional reports have asserted that Younkin was flying either his Decathlon or a very rare Mullicoupe when the accident occured. ANN will offer aditional details when verified. In the meantime, all of the ANN and Aero-TV crew send Matt our best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C.

Original Report, 11.10.09, 1912 EST: ANN has learned that Aerobatic Pilot Matt Younkin went down shortly after departure from an airport near Siloam Springs, AR, late Tuesday at approximately 1500 local time. The airshow performer, son of the late Bobby Younkin, was flying what was described in media reports as an "experimental" aircraft though limited (and very poor) photography from the scene suggests that the aircraft may be his Travel Air 'Mystery Ship.'

Matt is a third generation pilot. He is the son of legendary airshow pilot Bobby Younkin, famous for his aerobatic displays in the AT-6, Beech 18, Learjet 23, Samson, and the Super Decathlon. Bobby is considered to have been be one of the greatest airshow pilots of all time. Matt is also the grandson of Jim Younkin who is well-known for designing the Century and TruTrak autopilots. Jim is also famous for his antique aircraft restorations, as well as building beautiful replicas of the 1930’s air racers such as the Howard “Mr. Mulligan” and the Travel Air “Mystery Ship.” Matt learned to fly at the age of 14 from family friend Ken Collier in a Piper J-3 Cub. At age 15, Chuck Irvin, the same instructor who taught Bobby how to fly, refined Matt’s piloting skills. On his sixteenth birthday, Matt soloed his grandfather’s 1928 Travel Air 4000 biplane.

The Travel Air “Mystery Ship” was designed and built in 1928 by the Travel Air Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, KS. Designated the model 'R' the aircraft was designed and built for the upcoming 1929 National Air Races. Design and assembly of the aircraft was performed behind a curtain in a sealed off portion of the aircraft plant. The “Mystery Ship” that Matt performs in was re-created using original factory plans by Jim Younkin in 1979. Although the Younkin airplane is a replica, it is the only example worldwide of a Travel Air "Mystery Ship" flying today.

The aircraft appears to have impacted in an unimproved area with significant trees and vegetation... making any possible emergency landing problematic. According to local reports, Younkin was pulled from t eh stricken aircraft and transported immediately to the local hospital where he is undergoing treatment. Information as to his condition is not currently available.

FMI: www.younkinair.com