Racing a Storm Is Not the Best Choice

Ferrying an airplane for a friend takes a turn for the worse when a storm prompts a hasty reaction.

Andy Gelston

Friday, August 12, 2022 at 01:15 PM ET

Verified

[Illustration: Joel Kimmel]

Key Takeaways:

The author recounts a challenging cross-country flight of an antique Piper J3L-65 Cub from Virginia to Wisconsin for a friend.
During the journey, a severe storm forces an unplanned overnight landing on an unverified, overgrown grass strip, leading to a night of discomfort inside the leaking cockpit.
Following a risky departure from the difficult field, the author critically reflects on their series of poor judgments and dangerous decisions made during the trip, emphasizing the importance of good judgment over luck.

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“Would you go to Hanover County, Virginia, and fly the Cub I just bought to my grass strip in southeastern Wisconsin?” A friend in need asked me—and I was happy to make the trip.

“Sure.” So I flew commercial into Richmond where the seller picked me up, then introduced me to the prewar Piper J3L-65 Cub. She was original and in remarkably good shape, so I prepped her for the trip and slept on the FBO’s couch that night.