Fred Murrin Down

moritz55 · 16 July 2007, 02:02 AM

Hello Fred,

I don't know you but I wish you to recover soon.
I think your work on the old airplanes made many young and less young people dream. So please keep on.

Sincerely greetings from France

.
Thierry.

Ps: I'm talking directly to you because I think one of the buddies on the forum will send you these threads.

FliegerJG1 · 16 July 2007, 04:24 AM

Airport manager talks about man hurt in crash
By Matt Snyder
Herald Staff Writer

GREENE TOWNSHIP —
The 56-year-old Greenville man injured in Friday’s plane crash north of Greenville Municipal Airport remained in critical condition Saturday, a hospital spokesperson said.

Fred Murrin is a well-known fixture at the airport, said airport Manager Rod Paul. He flies his replica World War I aircraft that he handcrafted himself, and it was his replica Sopwith Camel he crashed Friday.

“He’s hurt pretty bad right now,” said Paul, who added Murrin was stable the last he heard. “But I think he’s going to be fine. He just has a little bit of healing he has to do.”

Paul said flying and building planes is Murrin’s passion. “He knows more about those airplanes than I can even begin to know,” he said. He called Murrin a good person and history buff.

People come in and wander airports often, looking at the planes, Paul said. “If anybody just came in and expressed an interest in aviation, he would show them what he does and talk to them about World War I aviation.”

Murrin had a lot of experience flying, Paul said.

The last fatality at Greenville Airport was eight years ago, Paul said. He added there was a bit of a fender bender a few years ago.

Paul said the emphasis on flying can sometimes focus heavily on the crashes, comparing it to people only noticing the referee when he makes a bad call. “But people fly and go places everyday. It’s very safe.”

Murrin crashed after doing “touch-and-go” manuevers that involve landing and then immediately taking off, Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Jim Peters said.

Jamestown Fire Chief David Jones said witnesses reported Murrin stalling as he took off from the “touch and go.” He banked and then spiraled to the ground from 300 to 400 feet, landing at the edge of a cornfield.

The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. They did not return a phone message Saturday.

Bob_D · 16 July 2007, 05:54 AM

My heart skipped at first seeing this thread. Such incredible good news to hear that Fred is OK and will recover. All the best for a speedy recovery, Fred, and best wishes to all your family.

Bob D.

ONEALM · 16 July 2007, 10:45 AM

I've already posted Fred's address for cards/letters on the other thread, but want to cover all the bases here. If you are going to send along well wishes, send them to:

St. Elizabeth's Health Center
1044 Belmont Ave.,
Youngstown OH, 44501.

They said to put his name on the outside of the envelope and the room number as well which for now at least, is 3801 (ICU)

Thanks folks,
Mike

greatwarpilot · 16 July 2007, 05:05 PM

Many thanks to Rick and Dave for the updates on Fred's condition. My throughts and prayers are with both Fred and Marsha during this difficult time. He is a true gentlemen, an excellent pilot and an asset to the field of WWI aviation.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

Sincerely

Edward

gipsymoth236k · 16 July 2007, 06:28 PM

There's on old saying - "A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's NOT what ships are built for."

Keep 'em flying, Fred. And YOU get recovered real soon, too! We all need you!

Best Regards, Gary Sewall

Nieuport pilot · 16 July 2007, 08:46 PM

To the WW1 family
Today has been a much better day as Fred was able to watch some TV, eat some Jello and talk a little. They expect him to remain in the ICU for 3 or 4 more days. I am relaying this from Marsha as I was in Dayton all day delivering some Dr-1 parts and picking up posters.
All the response to this is very overwhelming as I can barely keep up with the phone calls, emails and messages.
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. I will try to pass them all on to Fredo.
I am still waiting for the FAA to release the Camel and then we will be busy for some time to come.
Rick Bennett