James Rohlf Went Down Near Monticello, Iowa, in the Vietnam War-era plane

Veteran airshow pilot and instructor James Rohlf was killed Monday, August 11, when his North American T-28B Trojan crashed near Monticello, Iowa. The 1958 aircraft, a Vietnam War-era trainer, went down in a bean field south of Monticello Regional Airport shortly after takeoff.

According to radio transmissions, Rohlf reported engine trouble and announced his intention to return to the airport. Less than a minute later, he told controllers he was going down. Emergency crews arrived to find the aircraft destroyed and Rohlf dead at the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. Another pilot circling overhead remained at the site until first responders arrived. Investigators will focus on the reported mechanical issue, though details have not yet been released.

Rohlf, who was based in Iowa, was well known in the airshow community as a member of Trojan Thunder: a demonstration team that flies restored T-28 aircraft across the country. Just weeks ago, he had performed with the team in front of nearly 200,000 spectators at a major airshow.

Fellow pilot and longtime friend Paul Walter noted both Rohlf’s skill and generosity, citing an incident at Oshkosh where Rohlf flew 700 miles home to fetch a spare generator and tools so Walter could get his aircraft flying again the same day.

“It’s hard to understand because he was a very experienced, safe aviator. He not only knew how to fly, but he knew the aircraft. He helped restore them…So I’m interested in what the National Transportation Safety Board says.”

Beyond airshows, Rohlf was an instructor and the founder of the Aviation Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and flying aircraft with ties to the Vietnam War. His collection included four historic airplanes and a Huey helicopter, which he often showcased to honor aviation history.

“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our Trojan Thunder Teammate Mr. James Rohlf,” read a social media post from the Trojan Thunder flying team. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Karen and family members. We have lost more than a teammate, we have lost a friend. Godspeed, Jim.”

FMI: www.ntsb.gov