What is David Rowe's status at present, 2015? Following is an article from a local source in South Carolina. It is understood that Rowe invented the FWC, starting the company in Colorado late 70s. More recently, Rowe was associated with a company building the Provan Tiger. Any FWC owners looking at early versions of this RV will note the distinctive shape of the cab-over from early FWC and the ATC.
Pilot, daughter still hospitalized after Lake Murray plane crash
Posted: May 05, 2009 6:20 PM CDTUpdated: May 11, 2009 7:17 AM CDT
LAKE MURRAY, SC (WIS) - We're learning more about the pilot and passenger injured in a Lexington County aircraft crash. It's a story you first saw on WIStv.com.
The father and daughter were onboard an unusual ultra-light aircraft when it went down near Lake Murray Monday.
In the early days of aviation, pilots called it "flying by the seat of your pants." Relying on instinct and feel instead of sophisticated instrumentation.
Around the world hundreds of pilots still do it in a flying inflatable boat like the Polaris model 582. It's a two-seat ultra-light aircraft that can be outfitted to take off and land on water.
Brooks and Norma Dill know a man who flies one on the southeastern side of Lake Murray.
"Similar to a hang glider. It's small, air-cooled engine on it and the wings were detachable, he told me," says Brooks.
Tuesday afternoon the little plane crashed with two people on board. Federal aviation records and neighbors identify the pilot as David Rowe, a 61-year-old Lexington businessman who we are told had been piloting the flying boat for at least a couple of years.
Neighbors say the passenger was his daughter.
A neighbor who declined to appear on camera said he saw the flying boat take off, but realized almost immediately that the pilot was having a hard time maintaining airspeed.
He says it didn't sound like the plane was having any kind of engine problems. And within a minute or two, the aircraft had disappeared into the trees.
The FAA is investigating, but has not determined a cause. Rowe is said to be in critical condition.
Friends say Rowe had recently sold his RV business, and was taking one last trip over the lake before moving to a new home in Colorado.
The Dills are now among Rowe's neighbors offering prayers that he will be able to fly again.
Pilot, daughter still hospitalized after Lake Murray plane crash
Posted: May 05, 2009 6:20 PM CDTUpdated: May 11, 2009 7:17 AM CDT
LAKE MURRAY, SC (WIS) - We're learning more about the pilot and passenger injured in a Lexington County aircraft crash. It's a story you first saw on WIStv.com.
The father and daughter were onboard an unusual ultra-light aircraft when it went down near Lake Murray Monday.
In the early days of aviation, pilots called it "flying by the seat of your pants." Relying on instinct and feel instead of sophisticated instrumentation.
Around the world hundreds of pilots still do it in a flying inflatable boat like the Polaris model 582. It's a two-seat ultra-light aircraft that can be outfitted to take off and land on water.
Brooks and Norma Dill know a man who flies one on the southeastern side of Lake Murray.
"Similar to a hang glider. It's small, air-cooled engine on it and the wings were detachable, he told me," says Brooks.
Tuesday afternoon the little plane crashed with two people on board. Federal aviation records and neighbors identify the pilot as David Rowe, a 61-year-old Lexington businessman who we are told had been piloting the flying boat for at least a couple of years.
Neighbors say the passenger was his daughter.
A neighbor who declined to appear on camera said he saw the flying boat take off, but realized almost immediately that the pilot was having a hard time maintaining airspeed.
He says it didn't sound like the plane was having any kind of engine problems. And within a minute or two, the aircraft had disappeared into the trees.
The FAA is investigating, but has not determined a cause. Rowe is said to be in critical condition.
Friends say Rowe had recently sold his RV business, and was taking one last trip over the lake before moving to a new home in Colorado.
The Dills are now among Rowe's neighbors offering prayers that he will be able to fly again.
