Sad to see this one...
https://www.floracing.com/articles/12784917-dirt-track-legend-scott-bloomquist-killed-in-plane-crash
RIP Scott. More racing drivers die in small planes per capita than all except MDs. Different reason, same result.
He was a legend on the track and a cool character. I saw this interview on Dale Jr. Download last year. As soon as I saw the news this morning I remembered a big section of it, like minutes 6-8. A pretty amazing run this guy had.
I've had the pleasure to work with Scott on several stories. Many only saw the side of him at the track as this incredibly fierce competitor, which he was. However, away from the track he just loved to have a good time, entertain and, what many don't realize, cultivate new talent and pass along much of his knowledge. (Scott could explain complex things in an incredibly easy-to-understand way - he was truly brilliant.) Scott will be sorely missed. Godspeed, Scott. You may be gone, but the legend will live on.
Per the local paper out of rogersville, he was unlicensed and the plane itself had not been in any kind of active flight since '12....
Im not shocked.
RIP sir.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: small aircraft are the only natural predator of rich white men
A single-engine Piper J3 crashed into a barn in Mooresburg around 7:50 a.m., according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration. Only the pilot was on board, the FAA said.
I would be curious to see what the NTSB findings will be. Generally, pilot error is almost always considered a major factor but there may be other factors (weather etc). Stall spins are classic low altitude causes of crashes (assuming since it was supposedly near his house). I would not infer much from the barn being hit, it might just be where he landed, not necessarily an "oh Sht, a barn" kind of thing.
For those who are unaware, the J3 is a very old, very classic, and generally very safe design. Most are very low power, but also very slow and easy handling (e.g. stall speed: 37 mph!!!).
FYI:
Scott's father was an avid fan of vintage aircraft and he restored them. This may be one of those airplanes.
Juan is normally the definitive source for analysis of aviation accidents. Here is his take on the Bloomquist accident.
In reply to triumph7 :
IMO: Quite speculative, but his end hypothesis cannot be ruled out. Scott had a rough past 5 years or so. We'll find out when NTSB concludes their investigation.
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