The NTSB’s recently released factual report of the crash on January 24 last year of a privately owned Aero Vodochody L-39 former Czech Republic military jet trainer that killed Wall Street Journal aerospace editor Jeff Cole riding as a passenger and pilot Michael Chowdry, founder and CEO of cargo carrier Atlas Air, draws attention to the pilot’s skill, experience and attitude, as well as a possible severe and sudden change in the airplane’s handling characteristics when it lost the aft canopy during takeoff from Colorado’s Front Range Airport.
Chowdry became one of the first customers to own and fly a Boeing Business Jet, and he worked with Boeing to publicize the BBJ. Chowdry received an ATP certificate in August 1999 and he was a CFI. He also had a type rating in the BBJ. On his last FAA physical in July 2000, he reported that he had 5,100 hr of flight experience, with 250 hr during the last six months. On his last insurance policy, Chowdry stated he had completed a biennial flight review and instrument competency check in August 2000. But the sum of his flying experience is not clear because he reportedly never kept a logbook. In addition, former BBJ pilots who flew with Chowdry do not paint a flattering picture of him as an aviator.
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