Recently a friend sent me a blurb from another aviation magazine about the restoration of a Beech Staggerwing — arguably the ultimate classic airplane — by the Kansas Aviation Museum. He knew I’d be interested in this particular D17S because it belonged at one time to my ex- and late husband, Ebby Lunken.
Unusual Attitudes: Staggerwings and Soda Bottles
Key Takeaways:
- The author shares a personal connection to the Beech Staggerwing aircraft through her ex-husband, Ebby Lunken, who once owned one that was involved in a "complicated" crash.
- Staggerwings are highly complex and challenging aircraft, requiring immense time, skill, and cost for restoration and maintenance, as exemplified by the multi-decade saga of one particular plane's numerous owners, international travels, and incidents.
- The article highlights the Staggerwing's powerful but often unforgiving nature, which frequently led to "prangs" or accidents, including a memorable incident involving Ebby Lunken that had dramatic and far-reaching personal consequences.
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