Smokey Bear pilot

[Basil]

I just happened to be browsing the web site of one of our local news stations and saw this tribute to Bill Chapel, pilot of the famous "Smokey the Bear" balloon. Bill passed away in February. In the video they talk about an accident in which the Smokey Bear balloon ran into a radio tower - Bill and two young boys had to climb down the tower.

https://www.koat.com/article/life-legacy-of-smokey-bear-pilot-bill-chapel/12776212

As it happens, I was helping my wife sell "Funnel Cakes" for a cancer charity at the balloon fiesta. We were in a booth directly in the line of sight to the tower. I witnessed the accident happen and took this snap shot.

 

[Popeye]

Wow! Glad to hear it ended OK.

 

[Basil]

Wow! Glad to hear it ended OK.

No kidding. It could have ended very badly.

 

[waltesefalcon]

I remember hearing about the antenna incident at the time. I can just imagine watching the tiny ant-like forms climbing down that tower and everyone watching and waiting to see if they made it safely. Good photo of it Bas.

 

[JPSmit]

No kidding. It could have ended very badly.

Indeed it could have - though I suppose the opposite is also true - no pole no accident. Sounds like quite an individual though - and I have seen pics of the balloon!

I do however feel like the best pun in the world is hidden in this thread and I am wracking my brain trying to get it out.

The closest I can come to is "only you can prevent Florist Fliers" - but that isn't it.

 

[Basil]

Indeed it could have - though I suppose the opposite is also true - no pole no accident. Sounds like quite an individual though - and I have seen pics of the balloon!

I do however feel like the best pun in the world is hidden in this thread and I am wracking my brain trying to get it out.

The closest I can come to is "only you can prevent Florist Fliers" - but that isn't it.

Here is a picture of Smokey Bear at the 2015 Balloon Fiesta. Bill was not the pilot in this case, 2012 being his last year.