Ojai Saturday, and lost and found

[Robb]

We had a crowd Saturday, and some great flights, but when someone gets hurt, all I think is 'that could have been me'.

Ten pilots, a tandem passanger, and Eddie for crew loaded up the suburban and headed for launch. The extra 2,500 lbs and AC made the engine heat up, but we made it to launch with out issue. Ron and his passanger were the first off, after running the wrong way; evern Southwest doesn't say "shut up and enjoy the flight" When the tandem was getting up half-way down the spine we all raced for our gear. Since I like getting my moneys worth I made sure to use all of the launch area before getting airborne.

Art lead the charge east, followed by Andy, Mike, Chip, myself, and Randall. OJ started, but saw only the lead group made any progress and headed west. I spent a lot of time around the repeaters trying to get up, but the only consistant lift was the convergance right over the Summit School.

After an hour of watching Art, Andy, and Mike climb out (Mike had the most beautiful climb, right in the middle of the topatopa bluffs) I landed at the school with visions of Summit Burgers and strawberry milkshakes. I met up with Chip and Randall, and after we ordered Eddie showed up with the news that Art and Andy made Vons in Fillmore and Mike hurt his back. Even the strawberry milkshake doesn't taste as good then.

I took the helm while Eddie ran mission control: he had Mark Pratt picking up Mikes gear and meeting with the police in Filmore, called Mike a couple times to get updates, Mikes wife a couple times with info and instructions to go to Santa Paula hospital, OJ to pick up the burger crowd, and please try to find that knucklehead that flew w/o radio or cell phone, he's missing.

We rounded up Art and Andy, met with Mark and his wife who had Mikes gear, got everybody back to their cars and home. OJ found the burger boys, and the missing pilot who took the trolly, so everyone is accounted for. I have some leftovers in the truck:

Stuff sack and knee brace; sounds like Chip.
Camera bag with rolls of film; sounds like knucklehead, hope he got some good pics.

Flight stats:
1260 up
1280 down
5810 max
1 hour 25 minutes

[Chip Bartley]

the brace and stuff sack are mine.

P.S.
I found my tooth at about 6am. damdest thing,.... it was in the colander. Hey, a grand is a grand.

Hang in there Mike, my fams prayers are with you for a speedy gitty up

[Jeffy]

Any idea on why Mini Mike stalled while coming into land?
I am sure he is still groggy and will not be all together there for awhile.
Did anyone see thee accident ?