Reno Air Racing: Interview with "Strega" Crew Chief Bill Kerchenfaut. Air Race Photography
Bill Jones Memorial
Our engine builder for many years, directly and indirectly, has been Aircraft Cylinder and Turbine. Bill Jones owned and operated it from scratch until 1991 when he retired so he could fly his various planes. His favorite was his T28, which he and Lyle would go up in so that Lyle could practice on the flying low kinda things that pilots do. It was a beautiful polished T28 that he was very proud of. February 2 about 3:00a.m. Bill Jones and Greg Webber from Bellingham, WA left Van Nuys Airport enroute to Thermal, CA for a T28 conference/gathering. They never made it! The weather had progressively grown worse throughout the day and our only guess is that they were flying under the clouds (scud running) and miscalculated. Both died upon impact into the side of a mountain 10-15 miles SE of Palm Springs. They were found by Park Officials Saturday, Feb 6 when weather had cleared. February 16 there was a Family & Friends Wake at Van Nuys Airport where hundreds of people listened and watched a couple of "Missing Man" formations performed. They showed a video of Bill's life and retirement from AC&T and people had stories poems and many fond memories. February 17 a Family only wake was held for Bill. He will be deeply missed by many different groups. Greg Webber had his T-28 engine just finished by Bill at Aircraft Cylinder & Turbine and it was its maiden voyage. Haven't heard of any mechanical problems or collisions. Just Mountains in the way.

-Shirlee Kurtz-

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