Miller Wilder, former president of EAA Chapter 17 and member of the Smoky Mountain Soaring Association died in an aircraft accident on Sunday June 13, 2004 in Arizona. Miller was working for the summer as a tow pilot and instructor at Turf Soaring when the accident occurred. Details are still sketchy but the airplane Miller was flying crashed immediately after takeoff while towing a Schweizer 1-26 glider. Apparently the tow plane pitched upward to a very steep angle about 100 feet off the ground and then pitched straight down. Impact was vertical and Miller died of injuries sustained in the crash. The glider pilot was able to release and survived the forced glider landing.

Miller was a driving force in leading Chapter 17 for the past few years and was extremely enthusiastic and always ready to help or lend a hand. Miller was a student at the University of Tennessee Space Institute and was working on his Masters degree in Aeronautical Science.

Chapter 17 sends its deepest condolences to the parents and family of Miller. He will be missed.

Tom Hogan, a past President of Chapter 17, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2004. Many of our members will remember them for the treats they always brought to the meetings. It was always a pleasure to be with these wonderful people.

Chapter 17 would like to offer its deepest condolences to Doris and the entire Hogan family.

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