A competitive environment General Aviation News [Video]

Aircraft accidents are, in some ways, like people. Some are relatively unknown, while others are in the spotlight from the get-go.

The Wayne STOL Drag accident is one of the latter, generating press and buzz from day one, and even having the dubious honor of being featured in an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute “Early Analysis” video.

The basic facts are known by many, but as a quick review, a STOL Drag competitor was killed in the crash of his Cessna 140 at the Mayday STOL Drag Races, an event name that I’m sure the organizers regretted choosing in hindsight, in Wayne, Nebraska, in late May 2022.

The crash, contrary to what many people have come to believe, didn’t happen during an actual STOL Drag race. Instead, it was during an impromptu add-on activity. Gusty wind conditions had postponed the day’s planned schedule, which included qualification …