Soon7x7 From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2799 posts, RR: 14 Posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 12831 times:
Long Island's Air Show demonstrator, Bob Baranaskas was killed today off Smith Point Park, site of TWA 800, while performing manuevers in his P-40 Warhawwk. Flying as his wing man , his son Chris, was flying the P-51 and witnessed the horrible tragedy. This is all I know about the crash .Both were good friends and ironically this is all I can find out at this time. Anyone w/ more info,please post...
RFields5421 From United States of America, joined Jul 2007, 6150 posts, RR: 25 Reply 1, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 12732 times:
Rampkontroler From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 859 posts, RR: 7 Reply 2, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 12512 times:
Sad news indeed...another airshow legend no longer with us. RIP to him and my thoughts are with his family and friends.
Soon7x7 From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2799 posts, RR: 14 Reply 3, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 11711 times:
A very sad day...a true gentleman,...inseperable with his son Chris...Bob took me up in his P-51 for a one hour birthday gift and for that hour I was a child once more!...refused gas money...made me promise to take him up in a glider...Always a smile...I wish when I took the photo above of Chris and bob he wasn't wearing his glasses...the media asked me what he was like...I said, if you looked into his eyes and saw his smile, you'd know just what kind of a guy he was...Bob will be missed by all...even by airshow spectators that will expect to see the duo at air shows this season...Chris...Long Islands aviation communities prayers and thoughts are with you as you watched from the beach...your father dissapear into the Atlantic from apparently an unrecoverable spin...It has apparently been said that you will continue to fly the curcuits in the absence of you father...God Speed!
Only recently Bob and the rest of us lost another good friend...Vinnie Nasta, an aerobatic pilot/ instructor/ teacher. He was killed up in Reinbeck New york while perfoming a mock dogfight for spectators. On his way back to the field he entered also...a stall spin and was killed upon impact. Bob Baranaskas took it upon himself to open up a website dedicated to Vinnie for all to comment on regarding their experiences with Vinnie. Bob also hired the SKYWRIGHTERS team to wish Vinnie off the day of his funeral...Bob was selfless...Rest in Peace...thanks for the ride Bob!
727forever From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 783 posts, RR: 5 Reply 4, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 11562 times:
I certainly didn't know him like others, but did have the chance to meet him at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in CMH in 2007. I talked to him briefly as he was wiping down the P-40 after flying it to the show. He was a very nice man who took the time to talk to me and I was happy to talk to him. I am saddened to hear of his final flight west.
Adam42185 From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 395 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 7687 times:
I didn't know this person, but may have seen him at airshows. It is clear he was a great guy and will be missed, and I would like to show my appreciation to him for sharing the magic of flight with many others while alive. It goes without saying that there are inherent risks in being a stunt pilot, but that being said, that is what they live for. The thrill and adrenaline involved in flying such maneuvers. Rest In Peace Bob, and thank you for sharing the dream of flight.
Soon7x7 From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2799 posts, RR: 14 Reply 6, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 6652 times:
Search teams have a bouy on the wreckage but are unable to resurrect the craft as current and silt in water creating hazardous conditions for the divers. Hopefully tomorrow they will get Bob out. Smith Point Park seems to be gaining a scarey reputation, TWA 800, Bobs crash, Kenny Eaton in his PA 32...he too is still down there in the same vicinity...sad...I feel for the families of all...the loss is one thing, the conditions are another...
Soon7x7 From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2799 posts, RR: 14 Reply 7, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 5870 times:
Bob Baranaskas...For those of you that followed the dramatic exhibitions in the Northeast US by Bob and Chris Baranaskas...services for Bob will be this Thrursday and Friday in Northport Long Island, Nolan Taylor-Howe funeral Home. 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport, NY 11768...call them for times
...631.754.2400. PRESS...Please use discretion!...As one might already guess... this was a great tragedy to all that knew him...Especially Chris , his wingman, his son...circus atmosphere not allowed!
DingDong From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 661 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 5861 times:
I can't be there in person for logistical reasons, but I promise High Flight will be first and foremost in my thoughts for what sounds like an amazing and respected aviator who's slipped the surly bonds of Earth while departing the pattern as well as his family and friends.
Soon7x7 From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2799 posts, RR: 14 Reply 9, posted (4 years 1 month 2 weeks 2 days ago) and read 5831 times:
I knew the team personally, flew in the P-51 with Bob. not a tremendous fan of airshows myself, but I am aware that the team has gained a tremendous following of fans and when most pilots would chase you away from a mirror polished Mustang, he invited you to touch it and ask him questions, which with great passion and enthusiasm he would gladly satisfy. A true Gentleman and Showman,...his Son Chris, ...right on his heels!
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2799 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
