A very dangerous endeavor

[flyerq68]

Air racing that is. A neighbor of mine was killed yesterday in a qualifying heat at the Reno air races. I live in a residential airport community and Lee Behel (pronounced Beal) has a house and hanger at the other end of the runway. He was an ex air force fighter pilot and a speed enthusiast. He has several airplanes and all are built to go fast. The plane involved yesterday was an experimental GP-5 "Sweet Dreams" racing in the sport class. First reports say the plane had an in flight structural failure, and crashed on the back course in the desert.

I love aviation (and motorcycles), and I hate to see this happen. He will be missed.

Video is of Lee making an emergency landing in the same plane in 2010 due to engine problems
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiSS7...yer_detailpage

[Cruiseman]

Sorry for your loss

[crabbywinger]

As one who loves bikes and planes (warbirds) I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for his family and friends.

Crabby Bob

[SBB]

Sorry for your loss.

SBB

[Westdc]

Sorry for your loss- Flying is just riding a MC a great Risk with lots of rewards -

[530ktm]

Sorry to hear this news. That was an awesome plane and the V8 engine had the sound all it's own. The sport has no room for any type of error, that is for sure.

[MD11pilot]

Very sorry. The loss of a friend and coworker stays with you forever. Tailwinds Lee

[BMXDad]

My condolences on the loss of a friend.

[Rick S]

Sorry for your loss

[speckfisher]

My condolences. I watched the video several times, he appeared to be an excellent pilot with great intuitive feel for that plane. Nice landing without power. Sorry for your loss.

[ColoradoWinger]

Sorry for the loss, at least he left the world doing what he loved.

[Biker John]

Sorry for the loss of a friend, seems in life we never have enough to spare any of them.

Prayers from Michigan

[wingleader09]

Sorry for the loss of your friend. I hope when it's my time to go I am doing something I love and not while confined to a bed.