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Operation: Flying Display
Date: 13th June 1982 (Sunday)
Unit: No. Lazy Eight Flying Club and school.
Type: Bellanca 8KCAB
Serial: N50352
Base: Memphis International Airport, U.S.A.
Location: Memphis International Airport, U.S.A.
Pilot: Edward 'Ted' Wladysław Martens (whilst in PAF: P-2817 - 792239) Age 25. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
We have very few details on this former Polish fighter pilot but delighted that he should have a page dedicated to him.
We are indebted to Bruce Robertson for sending details of his loss to us. Bruce was trained as an aerobatic pilot by Ted Martens. Peter Sikora kindly supplied the photographs used on this page.
Ted was owner of the Lazy Eight Flying Club, based at Memphis International Airport, U.S.A. On Sunday 13th June 1982 he was performing at a benefit air-show for the local fire department in Kentucky.
After about 7 minutes in an 8 minute act, the pilot performed an 8-point roll at about 200 ft., then pulled up into a hammerhead stall.After a hammerhead turn to the left, the aircraft entered a spin and crashed, killing the pilot.
The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the probable cause of the accident to be clearance misjudged - pilot error.
A friend reported that about one month prior to the accident, the pilot had complained of having blackouts while flying aerobatics, however, a pathological examination revealed no medical problems that would have caused a blackout.
Report No: ATL82FLQ66 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation. Aircraft first registered 26th January 1976.
Ted Martens sitting 1st right. (courtesy Peter Sikora)
Edward Martens standing on the wing (courtesy Peter Sikora)
Burial details:
Edward Wladysław Martens. Born on the 08th August 1920 in Warsaw, Poland. The son of Jan Martens and Maria (née Daab), husband of Barbara Rose Martens (deceased 2002) Father to Barbara Marie Martens Vinberg and Susan Helene Martens Walker.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Peter Sikora, Bruce Robertson. Also to Marissa Vinberg who contacted us with further details on her Grandfather in October 2017.
KTY
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 07 August 2022, 18:07