Second Tulsa Doctor Killed in Plane Crash

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

TUCUMCARI, N.M. -- An Oklahoma stunt pilot was killed when his single-engine plane crashed Wednesday while performing a loop at an air show, police said.

The crash happened in Tucumcari, 108 miles west of Amarillo, Texas.

Guy "Doc" Baldwin, 60, of Tulsa, Okla., lost control of the aircraft, Police Chief Larry Ham said. The plane, a German-made Extra 300L, left a 200-foot debris trail after impact.

"There was a big dust cloud," Ham said. "Fortunately there was no fire or explosion."

According to the air show's program, Baldwin was a physician and aviation medical examiner who had logged more than 4,000 hours in 35 years of flying. He was making his first appearance at the Tucumcari show, that was attended by about 800 people, Ham said.

Baldwin was the second pilot to perform during the scheduled three-hour show, which was canceled.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the crash. Organizers said it was the first accident in the event's 14-year history.

"We don't have any indications there was a mechanical failure," Ham said.

What is not mentioned in this story is the fact that Dr. Baldwin was a long time friend and partner of Dr. William R. Barnes, who was killed while flying his own plane in Owasso, OK, just a few weeks ago. See http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0706/341196.html

In fact, these two doctors shared the same small office building and reception area near 21st and Garnett in Tulsa, OK. I cannot imagine the grief their families must be suffering right now, so soon after losing Dr. Barnes. Both will be forever missed by the thousands of people who's lives they touched, and, in some cases, even saved.