Pilot Proficiency

Rocky Mountain Low

Tuesday, November 06, 2018 at 01:00 AM ET

Verified

My 1978 Beech Bonanza on the runway in Telluride, Colorado. Ben Younger

Key Takeaways:

The author survived a severe airplane crash at Telluride Airport after experiencing unexpected wind shear shortly after takeoff, totaling his V-tail Bonanza but miraculously incurring no injuries to himself, his passenger, or his dog.
He reflects on critical factors like high density altitude and underestimating weather conditions, underscoring the importance of treating flying as a serious "second profession" and learning from dangerous situations.
After initially considering quitting aviation, the author found renewed passion, purchased another aircraft, and joins the editorial staff to honestly share his experiences, mistakes, and lessons learned as a less-experienced pilot.

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I totaled my airplane on May 27, 2018, at 10:30 in the morning.

Ben Younger is a TV and film writer/director, avid motorcyclist and surfer—but it’s being a pilot that he treats as a second profession. Find him on Instagram @thisisbenyounger.