Crime & Safety
Video: Pilot, 82, Suffers Only Bruised Ego in Hard Landing at Local Airport
Retired Navy Cmdr. Bob Lindsay of Coronado says he forgot a crucial step before set down.
Bob Lindsay is a former Navy pilot. Flown for more than 50 years. So when approached about his hard landing of an experimental plane Wednesday at the Ramona Airport, he didn't mince words.
"I forgot to put the [landing] gear down. Simple as that," said Lindsay, 82.
Lindsay, a Coronado resident, walked away unscathed from the landing, which drew emergency vehicles just before noon.
Find out what's happening in Coronadowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He said he's been flying the small plane for a dozen years and was practicing at the airport when he landed on its belly at 50 mph or perhaps slower.
Despite his lack of injuries, he was quick to praise the Ramona Airport and Cruiseair manager who rushed to his aid, likening the airport to a small community of helpful neighbors.
Find out what's happening in Coronadowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
His bigger concern was how to get his crippled craft back to its normal home, Gillespie Field in El Cajon.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.