Now, John Moody Needs Your Help

By ANN Contributor Larry Garner

John Moody, hailed as the "father of ultralight aviation," is in fair condition at a hospital in Georgia, after his powered glider went down during an airshow Sunday evening. It happened at the Boshear/Skyfest 2004, Daniel Field, Augusta (GA). Moody, 61, apparently got behind the curve, stalled his Ultralight, entered a low spin and impacted the ground harder than planned.

Moody has been flying powered hang-gliders for over 30 years. In his performance, he pretends to take or repo an aircraft flying in front of a crowd during the airshow. The "Air Boss" of the show steps out and attempts to get the guy to land by waving a flag; but Moody continues to fly. As the aircraft makes several passes, the Air Boss picks up a shotgun and blasts away a part of the powered glider, which falls to the ground. The last shot gets the engine and John falters, pretending to be out of control. Then he lands on his feet in front of the crowd.

In this case, Moody apparently got a bit too far downwind. Turning back toward the landing site, he must have realized that he was too far away and tried to extend his glide. As his airspeed dropped, one wing fell and he entered a spin from about 50 feet. The crowd thought that this was a part of his act until all the emergency vehicles began to roll.

When someone from the Flight Line crew got to John, he was yelling for help and attempting to get out from under his craft. Conscious and talking, Johns Ultralight was lifted off and he was transported to The Medical College of Georgia, where he is listed in 'Fair' condition. Doctors later said Moody suffered a collapsed lung, crushed tailbone and two fractured ankles.

Compounding Moody's medical problem is the fact that he's not insured. Not only is he unable to pay for all his medical care, but his income dropped to zero the moment his glider impacted the ground.

John Moody needs your help.

Please send donations to:

Boshears Memorial Fly-In, Inc.
C/O John Moody
1775 Highland Ave
Daniel Field
Augusta GA 30904

FMI: www.pioneerflyer.com