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hanger break-in

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Ralph B

Joined: 14 Apr 2007
Posts: 367
Location: Mound Minnesota

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 1:04 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

I have some sad news to report. Mark's hanger at Forest Lake (25D in Minnesota) was broken into last night and my Kolbra was targeted. The thieves stole the engine, battery, aircraft seatbelts, and all avionics by unbolting and cutting off the engine cable and unscrewing the panel and cutting off the wires to all the instruments. Mark's large snowblower, tools, and battery charger were also stolen. Mark just finished building his new RANS S-7 and he is worried that his fuel may have been compromised although his airplane looked intact.

 

They got in through the locked door and then opened the bi-fold hanger door to bring a hoist and vehicle into the hanger. This was all done under the cover of darkness. Mark called the police this morning and they have the engine serial number (#4400582). The Warp Drive tapered prop was also stolen (#T9433). The engine had a Titan exhaust system with a specially-made prop spacer. This polished aluminum prop spacer is very large and is one-of-a-kind. 

 

If anyone has any information on this please contact me or local law enforcement (651-325-6461 Forest Lake Police Department). Please be on the lookout for anyone who has recently acquired a used 912UL 80hp engine. The instruments, include an EIS, transponder, Microair radio, ASI, altimeter, and compass.

 

I would appreciate it if you could forward this to other lists that I am not aware of.

 

Here are some pictures ...

 

Thanks for any information about this theft,

Ralph Burlingame

Mound, Minnesota

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_________________
Ralph B

Kolb Kolbra 912uls
N20386
550 hours

bransom(at)ucdavis.edu
Guest

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 2:18 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

Wow Ralph, So sorry to hear. Surely hope the bums (other words come to

mind) are caught and you and Mark get some recovery from this.



I still have pictures of your Firestar on skies and your superman flying

low over the frozen lakes.

Hang in there!

-Ben 



On 5/17/11 2:04 PM, "Ralph B" <rstar447(at)gmail.com> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



I have some sad news to report. Mark's hanger at Forest Lake (25D in

Minnesota) was broken into last night and my Kolbra was targeted. The

thieves stole the engine, battery, aircraft seatbelts, and all avionics

by unbolting and cutting off the engine cable and unscrewing the panel

and cutting off the wires to all the instruments. Mark's large

snowblower, tools, and battery charger were also stolen. Mark just

finished building his new RANS S-7 and he is worried that his fuel may

have been compromised although his airplane looked intact.

 

They got in through the locked door and then opened the bi-fold hanger

door to bring a hoist and vehicle into the hanger. This was all done

under the cover of darkness. Mark called the police this morning and they

have the engine serial number (#4400582). The Warp Drive tapered prop was

also stolen (#T9433). The engine had a Titan exhaust system with a

specially-made prop spacer. This polished aluminum prop spacer is very

large and is one-of-a-kind.

 

If anyone has any information on this please contact me or local law

enforcement (651-325-6461 Forest Lake Police Department). Please be on

the lookout for anyone who has recently acquired a used 912UL 80hp

engine. The instruments, include an EIS, transponder, Microair radio,

ASI, altimeter, and compass.

 

I would appreciate it if you could forward this to other lists that I am

not aware of.

 

Here are some pictures ...

 

Thanks for any information about this theft,

Ralph Burlingame

Mound, Minnesota



--------

Ralph B

Original Firestar 447

N91493 E-AB

1000 hours

24 years flying it

Kolbra 912UL

N20386

3 years flying it

150 hrs





Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=340179#340179





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http://forums.matronics.com//files/what_the_panel_looked_like__786.jpg

http://forums.matronics.com//files/missing_panel__174.jpg

http://forums.matronics.com//files/missing_engine__101.jpg

http://forums.matronics.com//files/kolbra_engine_stolen__104.jpg

http://forums.matronics.com//files/everything_gone__837.jpg

rmurrill(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 2:21 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

I was even more disappointed in humanity than usual after reading your 

report and seeing the photos.  It is bad enough when they cut off your 

catalytic convertor or steal your stereo from the dashboard...but at least 

you understand it's young addicts' getting money for drugs....but this is 

more hurtful.... the result of a fellow aviator/ builder....probably someone 

you know or at least are familiar within the airport fraternity.   When he 

gets caught, I would buy a ticket to participate in a public 

flogging....Hope the insurance covers the repair.

Bob



--

herbgh(at)nctc.com
Guest

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 2:33 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

My sentiments also...someone near by...  Herb

At 05:19 PM 5/17/2011, you wrote:

[quote]



I was even more disappointed in humanity than usual after reading 

your report and seeing the photos.  It is bad enough when they cut 

off your catalytic convertor or steal your stereo from the 

dashboard...but at least you understand it's young addicts' getting 

money for drugs....but this is more hurtful.... the result of a 

fellow aviator/ builder....probably someone you know or at least are 

familiar within the airport fraternity.   When he gets caught, I 

would buy a ticket to participate in a public flogging....Hope the 

insurance covers the repair.

Bob



--

Dennis Thate

Joined: 18 Nov 2010
Posts: 362

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 3:33 pm Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

Ralph,



    Can't begin to tell you how sad this news is, right at the beginning of our flying season too. I was hoping for a ride in that little cream-puff. Hope the insurance covers and your back in the sky soon.



Regards, Very Sad news 

 Dennis

_________________
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute. ~Gil Stern

rlaird

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 373
Location: Houston

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 3:45 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

I'm not 100% sure, but still pretty sure that, if the aircraft is N-numbered, then it's a federal offense to intentionally tamper or damage an aircraft.  That means the FBI can get notified, if you want to go that route. 



  -- Robert

On Tue, May 17, 2011 at 5:31 PM, Herb <herbgh(at)nctc.com (herbgh(at)nctc.com)> wrote:

[quote] --> Kolb-List message posted by: Herb <herbgh(at)nctc.com (herbgh(at)nctc.com)>

 

 My sentiments also...someone near by...  Herb



 

 

 At 05:19 PM 5/17/2011, you wrote:

 [quote] --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bob" <rmurrill(at)cox.net (rmurrill(at)cox.net)>

 

 I was even more disappointed in humanity than usual after reading your report and seeing the photos.  It is bad enough when they cut off your catalytic convertor or steal your stereo from the dashboard...but at least you understand it's young addicts' getting money for drugs....but this is more hurtful.... the result of a fellow aviator/ builder....probably someone you know or at least are familiar within the airport fraternity.   When he gets caught, I would buy a ticket to participate in a public flogging...Hope the insurance covers the repair.

  Bob

 

 --

_________________
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Robert Laird
formerly: MkIIIc w/ 912ULS & Gyrobee
current: Autogyro Cavalon w/ 914ULS
Houston, TX area
http://www.Texas-Flyer.com

Ralph B

Joined: 14 Apr 2007
Posts: 367
Location: Mound Minnesota

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

Thanks guys for your support. I believe tampering with an aircraft is a federal offense and I'm hoping for some justice.

Needless to say, this not only violates me, but the whole aviation community. Mark called me tonight saying that

 he doesn't even feel like flying and he just built a brand new RANS S-7.

The pilots at the Forest Lake airport are up in arms and are securing their hangers for fear it may happen to them too.



Again thanks for your support and they got the headsets and my new audio cable that I made for videos. Sickening ...



This made me believe there are home-grown terrorists that have no conscience at all ...



Ralph

_________________
Ralph B

Kolb Kolbra 912uls
N20386
550 hours

slyck(at)frontiernet.net
Guest

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 4:53 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

On 17, May 2011, at 8:36 PM, Ralph B wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   have no conscience at all


	


That about sums it up. It must have been at least two low lifes and your stuff is probably in a garage within a ten mile radius.

Watch eBay and Craig's list

BB

do not archive

Jimmy Young

Joined: 24 Nov 2007
Posts: 182
Location: Missouri City, TX

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 5:04 pm Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

Ralph,



Maybe someone has a security camera at your airport that could shed some info on these turds. I hope you have insurance as well. Sorry to hear this.

_________________
Jimmy Young
Missouri City, TX
Kolb FS II/HKS 700

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 5:20 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

> Maybe someone has a security camera at your airport that could shed some 

info on these turds. I hope you have insurance as well. Sorry to hear this.

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 --------

 Jimmy Young


	


Jimmy Y/Gang:



A security camera makes a lot of sense.  With a $20,000.00 engine sitting on 

top of my mkIII, I would hate to lose it.  Only takes a few minutes to 

snatch one off the airframe.



john h

mkIII

Titus, Alabama

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

Kip

Joined: 13 Jul 2009
Posts: 51

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

Sorry to hear that, Ralph. 



I'll be keeping a special eye on all of the classifieds that I browse every day.

_________________
2000 Firestar II
R503 DCDI
VLS 750

2010 Waiex
Jabiru 3300

2020 Pitts Special S-1C

elleryweld(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 5:48 pm Post subject: hanger break-in

Ralph 

   That makes me ugly  I hate  a thief I hope you catch who ever it was that did this to your airplane and 

   hang him from the windsock at your airport 

 

     	  Quote: 	
		   	  Quote: 	
		  	
	


 

 

     Ellery Batchelder Jr.

 

 

 

   --

Ozarkflyer

Joined: 19 Jun 2009
Posts: 68
Location: Mtn. View, AR

Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 8:09 pm Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

Any way this could be posted on all of the Matronics forums?

Thom Riddle

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1597
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA (9G0)

Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 4:17 am Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

That really sucks, Ralph. I feel for you.



If it were mine, I would do the following to dissuade the a-holes from trying to sell their booty or use it in an as yet unregistered Exp A/B:

1) Post a free ad at barnstomers.com and also Craig's List, eBay or anywhere else that you can think of that an aircraft engine might appear for sale.

2) Advise all EAA chapters in the area.

3) Post at all the airports in the area.

4) Advise the FSDO and their inspectors.

5) Advise all the DARs in your region.



If it was stolen to replace the engine in an SLSA, then it would require an A&P or Repair Station to do the install, so I would also contact all the FBOs and A&Ps you can find in your area.



None of this will guarantee return of your stuff or apprehension of the culprits but anything you can do to squelch the a-holes' plans would be worth the effort, in my book.

_________________
Thom Riddle
Buffalo, NY (9G0)

Don't worry about old age... it doesn't last very long.
- Anonymous

Mike Welch

Joined: 13 Feb 2011
Posts: 272

Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 5:37 am Post subject: hanger break-in

Ralph,

  

   You have my sympathies, too.  I hate effin thieves.  NO punishment is too harsh for them, IMO.

  

   Adding to what Thom said, I would also recommend the following;

  Since these losers often sacrifice cables, hoses, harnesses, etc, their haste, I would also contact

 EVERY "company, vendor, retail outlet, etc", that sells replacement parts for items stolen.  Ask the 

 owner if they can notify you if someone within a 20 mile radius of you buys a likely related part.

  

   Often, once these vermin think they've gotten away with the crime, they start shopping around for

 the parts they either destroyed in the removal, or left behind (e.g. radiators, oil coolers, etc)

  

   In this day and age of technology, the thief knows better that to post the engine, prop or anything with

 a traceable serial number, on Barnstormers, etc.  Do Not look there for your parts.

   HOWEVER!!!!!   Stealing your engine just MAY have been the financial boost some POS needed to 

 finally begin his build own project!!   I would contact every airplane kit sales company that the 912 would 

 be a good engine for.

  

   Here's another important point;  This a.hole knows there ain't NO way he can sell this engine whole!!

 This means he will either part it out (not likely), or he will always maintain possession of it, and therefore

 he will restrict the access to the serial number.  I would contact the FAA, and see if they can somehow notify

 the FBI if there are any 912 engines registered in your area for the next 12 months.  The pig surely knows

 that in order to register a plane with the FAA, he will HAVE supply an engine serial number.  He will not

 give out an accurate number that can be traced, but rather he will be off several digits.  

  

   If you do your homework, you WILL find out who these lowlifes are.  Their need to make use of their

 stolen merchandise can often be detected by watching when they buy replacements parts.

  

 Mike Welch

 Been ripped off, and caught 'em.

 

  

 	  Quote: 	
		   If it were mine, I would do the following to dissuade the a-holes from trying to sell their booty or use it in an as yet unregistered Exp A/B:

 1) Post a free ad at barnstomers.com and also Craig's List, eBay or anywhere else that you can think of that an aircraft engine might appear for sale.

 2) Advise all EAA chapters in the area.

 3) Post at all the airports in the area.

 4) Advise the FSDO and their inspectors.

 5) Advise all the DARs in your region.

 

 If it was stolen to replace the engine in an SLSA, then it would require an A&P or Repair Station to do the install, so I would also contact all the FBOs and A&Ps you can find in your area.

 

 None of this will guarantee return of your stuff or apprehension of the culprits but anything you can do to squelch the a-holes' plans would be worth the effort, in my book.

 

 --------

 Thom Riddle

 Buffalo, NY (9G0)

 Kolb Slingshot SS-021

 Jabiru 2200A #1574

 Tennessee Prop 64x32

 

 Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

 Â  - Thomas A. Edison

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=340256#340256

 

 

 

 

 

&gt==============
	


[quote] 

 

 

 		 	   		     	  Quote: 	
		  [b]

ces308

Joined: 03 Nov 2008
Posts: 317
Location: houghton lake ,mi

Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 6:39 am Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

So sorry Ralph.....I will be watching all the auction/sell places for this kind of stuff....



chris ambrose

M3X/Jab

N327CS

miyer2u

Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Posts: 41
Location: Oregon

Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 12:59 pm Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

Ralph,

Very sorry to hear this news. These guys cant understand the efforts that a home builder puts in to build these wonderful flying machines. As Ellery mentioned, If caught they should be hung upside down like a Wind Sock.



Hopefully your insurance helps you some way. I will recommend you to post it on the other matronics lists too so that you can build awareness among fellow builders.



Wish you the best!



Mahesh

FS-2 , Ashland, Oregon

planecrazzzy
Guest

Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 5:20 pm Post subject: Re: hanger break-in

Awwwh , that's too bad....



 If you have insurance.... you might be the prime suspect...



 It looks too clean , no damage getting it out...



 Unscrewed the EIS ???   How considerate of the thief....

.

 You don't have any enemies in the area do you ?

.

"IF" you didn't do it yourself...  it's someone you know...



Someone who has been in the hanger....

.

.

Just so you know...  The fly-ins have had terrible turn outs



since you called the FAA several times ...



Wow....  Maybe one of THOSE guys got even ?

.

.

  Oh well...

                What a shame...

.

.

neilsenrm(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 7:33 am Post subject: hanger break-in

Mike



I thought you set up your own list? Please take your hate mail to your own list and leave our  Kolb list for Kolb stuff.

Rick Neilsen

Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC

 

On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 9:20 PM, planecrazzzy <planecrazzzy(at)yahoo.com (planecrazzzy(at)yahoo.com)> wrote:

[quote] --> Kolb-List message posted by: "planecrazzzy" <planecrazzzy(at)yahoo.com (planecrazzzy(at)yahoo.com)>

 

 Awwwh , that's too bad....

 

  If you have insurance.... you might be the prime suspect...

 

  It looks too clean , no damage getting it out...

 

  Unscrewed the EIS ???   How considerate of the thief....

 .

  You don't have any enemies in the area do you ?

 .

 "IF" you didn't do it yourself...  it's someone you know...

 

 Someone who has been in the hanger....

 .

 .

 Just so you know...  The fly-ins have had terrible turn outs

 

 since you called the FAA several times ...

 

 Wow....  Maybe one of THOSE guys got even ?

 .

 .

   Oh well...

                 What a shame...

 .

 .

 

 --------

 .

 .

 .

 .

 

 

 

 

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