AMA News - District X Report
Overview
The Southern Arizona Modelers (SAM) gathered at the club field on Sunday morning, June 2, for their monthly club meeting to support one another and to come to closure on the tragic loss of their fellow club member.
Tragedy in Tucson
On Saturday, May 18, 2002, the Southern Arizona Modelers lost a friend and fellow club member. Sixty-year-old Roger Wallace, a three-year member of SAM, mostly flew on Saturdays but could also be found at club meetings and most club events. The club will miss his friendly smile, hard work, dedication, and willingness to lend a hand.
It was a beautiful, sunlit day as SAM gathered at their local flying site a few miles southeast of Tucson, AZ. Nearly everyone was busy assembling and checking aircraft in preparation for the first flights of the day. Talk centered on the week's activities and each other's latest modeling projects. No one could have imagined the events that were to unfold that morning.
Roger taxied his Tower Hobbies Voyager onto the runway and took off to the south into the prevailing morning breeze. His friend, Bob Peterson, stood at his side to clear the runway and watch for traffic. The sun shone brightly across the runway, hanging a few degrees above the horizon. As the Voyager picked up speed, Roger lifted his model off the pavement, turned, and entered the traffic pattern east of the runway.
On the fourth trip around the pattern Roger banked the aircraft. It turned and then disappeared into the Arizona sun. In an instant the aircraft completed its turn and was headed directly back to the flightline. Before Roger could react or utter a sound, the .53-powered Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF) aircraft struck him squarely in the chest, narrowly missing his friend Bob. The extraordinary blow was unfortunately fatal, and at that moment a bewildering accident beset what had been a quiet Saturday morning.
Immediate Response
SAM members responded immediately as the tragedy unfolded. Bob Cleveland was one of the first to reach Roger's side and administered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. SAM president Jerry Knebel expressed the club's deepest sorrow and appreciation to members who responded to the emergency, specifically thanking Jack Shafer, Kevin Nuebert, Jim Carson, Dean Shoemaker, and Bob Cleveland.
Funeral and Remembrance
Roger's funeral was held on May 23 and was attended by family and friends from around the country. Dozens of modelers were present to say a final goodbye and to express condolences to the family. Roger was also involved in motorsports, and many of his racing friends and business associates attended the funeral.
At the June club meeting, SAM members voted to rename their annual May fly-in the Roger Wallace Memorial Fly-in. The spring event will be open to all AMA members.
On behalf of all members of AMA District X, we extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to the Wallace family and all members of the Southern Arizona Modelers. Many thanks to SAM newsletter editor Mark Smith for his contribution to this report.
Safety Considerations
The tragic events in Tucson raise important issues for all AMA members and AMA-chartered clubs.
First, while the risks involved in our hobby are generally considered minimal, a real potential for injury exists. Adherence to the AMA Safety Code and the operating guidelines established for each local flying site is essential. As demonstrated in this incident, the results of a mishap can be devastating.
Second, all AMA-chartered clubs should develop a flying site emergency response plan. Once developed, the plan should be conspicuously posted at the flying site and should include the following:
- The appropriate number(s) to call to summon an emergency response.
- The name, location, and driving directions to the flying site.
- The global coordinates for the site location.
If not plainly visible elsewhere, the plan should include the location of first-aid kit(s) and fire extinguishers. Clubs should ensure that first-aid kits are adequately stocked and routinely updated. Fire extinguishers should be checked per local fire code regulations. Safety is no accident and is the responsibility of all of us.
Better news next month: a report on the 2002 NorCal Free Flight Championship. 'Till next time... Keep 'em safe and keep 'em flyin'. - rh
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
