Sad

[Jim Smith]

I live 90 miles from Daytona (Jax). The weather was poor but fly-able throughout eastern FL that day. From witness accounts the "plane came through the trees sideways" out of control (after he had called mayday). My first thought was some kind of control failure (mechanical not pilot). I was amazed at the level of disintegration for an aircraft at a relatively low alt and at climbing speed. It would've had to come down pretty fast and uncontrolled to cause that level of damage. From what I understand his plane was well-maintained and he was a great pilot. I own three 337's that are very well maintained. An incident like this REALLY makes you wonder. Training, experience, knowledge of the aircraft, good maintenance, and still a loss. God bless Paul and his family.