I didn't know until just now that he was gone. AMF

He probably tried to crash his plane just so he could say you sabotaged it and backfired.

Yeah, I listened to the ATC transcripts.

My first instinct was to think he was having a diabetic issue with the confusion or something. Then...it's just apparent he was an idiot. Being a member of the EAA I'm familiar with the Vans RV. Although an experimental "Kit" plane...he was still required to hold a sport license(due to the weight) however there's really nothing saying that he had the training or even kept current with the perishable skill of airmanship.  He only needed a "Sport" aviation certification which is much less training than even a private pilot receives.  The ATC transcripts shows someone who's obviously pre-occupied with something else as he can't even conduct basic readbacks and doesn't seem to understand basic IFR/VFR rules and altitudes.

There's really no one from the FAA checking for physical licenses at airports unless they're doing random spot checks but from small executive or regionals the pilots have the keys to the hangars so he could just get in and go.

I don't get it....why people do what they do.

Diane/Don...the reason you feel the way you feel is because YOU are obviously compassionate and well...decently human. I've only been "here" for a short while but I have a good sense of the salt of the earth you two seem to be...as are many posters here. I think many would agree that it's just a tragedy in every sense of the word.

You've got one more sailor pulling for you both.

Take care all...

Good Folks, Live in peace, the world is a better place now.

Hey Don we call that a Mexican bloody Mary as for Bernath I have nothing to say. I have no respect for him but I do have respect for the dead. I just hope his daughters find piece. Diane we love ya. A year from now he will be lucky to be more then a fleeting thought in your mind. Time will be the thing that brings you piece. You haven't lived without constant worry for 4 yes and it's not going to change over night.

This is the most important video I have seen on this site. TY D&D.

I am honestly glad to hear that his sorry ass ended up in a swamp with the remains of his plane up his ass, after all the shit he put you two through along with so many others. You all are probably the strongest people I know and to hear how badly he hurt you, no one deserves that.
Hopefully the healing process has begun and that you two can finally after 4 years have a breath of fresh air and freedom once more

Rest easy, God bless you both. Oh and more o2 for us.

He had time to think about everything while he was in jail. I believe it's over.

wow.