Pilot's Fine, But Historic Aircraft Won't Be At OSH

The on-again, off-again planned showing of one historic aircraft at AirVenture 2008 is, sadly, off again.

The Experimental Aircraft Association was informed Thursday that due to an unfortunate incident, the Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro will not be able to attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 as announced earlier.

Jack Tiffany, the lead restorer in the project in Ohio, called with news that during testing Thursday, the rotor blades of the Autogiro were significantly damaged and will require a complete rebuild.

Thankfully, no injuries or other aircraft damages were reported... but the damage means the 1930s-vintage aircraft won't be making any public appearances any time soon.

"Obviously, we're all disappointed that the Pitcairn will not be here this year," said H.G. Frautschy, EAA's Vintage Aircraft Association executive director. "This has been a multi-year effort on the part of Jack Tiffany and the crew at Leading Edge Restorations, and as Jack pointed out during his call this morning, each portion of the restoration and flight-testing has been a learning experience. We wish our friends in Ohio well and look forward to seeing the Pitcairn in the future."

A taxi mishap in mid-June resulted in damage to the rotor blades and top of the vertical fin and rudder... but repairs were done and first flights were made on July 10 at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport near Dayton, OH, after which time the announcement was made the Autogiro would be at the show.

We're sure we speak for everyone involved when we say... rats.

FMI: www.airventure.org