[link to nycaviation.com]

Just after an air traffic controller instructs another plane to taxi onto the runway for takeoff, Appleton, with an audible sense of urgency in his voice radios the tower, “321 Lima Charlie, I’d like to turn back in, and uhh, land. Coming back in.”

The air traffic controller begins to respond, only to be drowned out by people yelling expletives in the background, apparently while witnessing Appleton’s plane going down. The controller himself is heard uttering “oh shi…” just before his mic cuts off.

A few seconds later, the controller tells the plane on the runway that his takeoff clearance is cancelled, while a woman in the background is heard crying, “oh god, oh god.”

Appleton was a respected pilot who performed aerobatic acts at airshows. He owned several aircraft according to the FAA database.


Sounded like he lost power in the initial climb from takeoff. This airplane was a 4 seat, 6 cylinder turbo prop 350hp. Yes it is home built (most likely by a pro builder hired as a contractor) but these are as good as any other aircraft out here.

Very unfortunate to hear.