For anyone interested we have created a GoFundMe to help Nikk build a new Kitfox as he works on healing: www.gofundme.com/let039s-get-nikk-flying-again

This was a tough one for me. Please forgive the very wordy and not so exciting video. I will get back to the fun stuff next week. For now please go show Nikk some love on his Facebook or Instagram. instagram.com/nikk_aud13/

I can not imagine how hard this video must have been for you to make. Well done sharing what you could tastefully... - and all the best for Nikk - his attitude is inspiring.

My father was killed in a banking stall in his Piper Cub on April 30th, 1974 as he was making a tight turn around the small town of Ryder, North Dakota. He had just turned 30 years old. I was 4 years old, and I am an only child. In 1996 I did some digging and detective work which resulted in a set of about 7 or 8 Kodak photos of the accident scene showing the plane and my father’s body on the ambulance stretcher. I am 49. Both of my kids are now over 18 and it is finally time for me to get my pilot’s license. Looking to buy a plane before I get too far into it. Makes sense to own your own aircraft. I am doing lots of research and have enjoyed your videos. My father’s body was almost in the same condition as the young man in this video with the addition of a massive open head injury and a crushed chest. Closed casket funeral for my mother and I. My father’s good friend Jon was in the backseat and survived the crash with a crushed skull and his eye hanging out on his cheek. Your friend has cheated death. This thing called flying is not about luck or experience in hours. It is about keeping risks to a minimum. My father was the pilot who loved the adrenaline, the notoriety and the aerobatic maneuver. I am doing this for closure and for the love of it all. Glad to see a happy ending to this video. God Bless all pilots past, present and future.

I have been following his progress on your Instagram stories. Glad he survived and is making progress on healing up!

I watched my son hit the ground, nose first, from about 50ft in the back seat of a powered parachute... They were doing a touch and go. While climbing out the engine died at just the wrong moment. I don't know how I knew but, I knew he was OK before I got there. He was a little banged up but, not too bad. The pilot.... Not so much. He broke both legs. Not terribly but, bad enough for a 62 year old man. It still scared the living crap out of me. So... Yeah. I cried through most of this one. Nick, you are one seriously lucky and tough Mf'er... Thank God you're OK. And thank you for making this one, Trent.

"Please forgive the .... not so exciting video." Nick is alive! What could be more exciting?? Glad to see him in good spirits and - for these circumstances - good condition! Keep up this spirit Nick and you'll be out of that bed and up in the air soon again! Prayers go out for the upcoming surgeries! Best wishes from Germany!

Oh my god, the part about Nick’s dad... Sobering message, but an important one. So glad to see Nick is alive and aware. Hoping for an expeditious and as complete recovery as possible. -C

I'm still looking at a Kitfox when I retire. It's kinda like riding a motorcycle. Everyone says it's dangerous, and I agree it can be. But I can't live surrounding my self with bubble wrap and caution tape all day. Freedom of flying has its apparent risks. Can't wait to fly with you guys.

Seeing him like this made me really emotional... holy cow. I had surgery two weeks ago and I thought that was painful, you look at nick, he almost lost his life and he’s staying really positive and has a smile. This guy is a hero.

As a first responder who has handled hundreds of traumatic incidents, I must commend you Trent for making sure the call for help got out. So often that is the one thing that is overlooked when everyone is in a panic. Wishing Nikk, you and all your families and friends all the best. God bless.

This popped up on my feed after seeing the destruction of Draco. Glad all pilots are well.

His attitude is amazing. Thanks for making this Trent, though I can see why this would have been very hard to shoot. Nikk, you'll be back up in no time! You're inspiring many, including myself, with your high spirits about all this!!

As a pilot--and a dad of a young pilot--I have tears in my eyes. Regardless of the safety realities, a father of a young pilot still occasionally considers that he might one day be in a position of Nikk's father. It's heart-wrenching to imagine; it had to be horrendous to experience. Thank you, Trent, for this difficult video.

Soooo lucky you guys were there to call for help.

Hey Trent, man what a tough situation. Tell Nick to keep his chin up! My wife lost 5 inches of tibia in 2003. Dr. Timothy Weber of OrthoIndy (Indianapolis) did what was then, a new thing, harvest bone from here femur and mixed it with a growth protein (OP1, I think), mold it into a bone shape, laid it in her calf... within weeks it had calcified (made bone). She now skis (snow), surfs, rides a oneWheel and has taught Zumba!

This was hard to watch. I’m in tears. Even though we don’t personally know you guys. Through these videos y’all become our friends in a certain way. You guys inspire and encourage all of us more than you know. Really glad nick is alive and healing. Trent I hope your ok. Take some time to heal. We will be here when y’all get back.

He's gonna build another Kitfox 😂 What a beast, great attitude. So glad to see he's doing good. The press photos made it look so much worse. Get well fast Nikk!!

I contributed to help make that care package from AU. Hope the guy gets well soon!

Nick is a super positive guy. All the best to him from Sydney Australia.

Thank you so much for that! And thank you for being so candid, honest and restrained with the as yet unknowns! Nikk is comes over as such a nice young man in the videos of his build and helping you out with FreedomFox & so popular, at least in my house, that this accident which could have been a tragedy has hit us all pretty hard, like one of our own! So good to see his irrepressible spirit is alive and well! Just prayers, time, family, good friends and the best medical care for Nikk is all he needs.🙏❤️

I hope he recovers well, EVERYONE NEEDS TO SHOW LOVE AND SUPPORT

Wow! I’m so glad you made it Nikk! I too had a similar event in Alaska in 1985. I broke my face up too and broke my back in three places and as always the feet take the brunt of our excursions, I shattered my left ankle. Face fixed up, back fixed up ( but 3/4 of an inch shorter) and ankle rebuilt with parts from my hip. I went back flying in a year and had a great career in aviation. I’m retiring in January. Anyway this isn’t supposed to be about me, it’s to let you know you have a lot of support out here. I’m glad you have such great friends and family to be with you, it’s a great comfort. Get well soon, the videos you guys do are so fun to watch I can’t wait for you to be back at it again.......and you will be back at it! Take care Nikk, speedy recovery

Nick, you're going to get better, you're going to walk again. My right leg was partially dismembered below the knee, compound fracture, missing over an inch of tib and fib, vascular reconstruction, bone graft reconstruction, barely hanging on. Vary similar to your injury, same Xfix and all. My left leg was a compound femur as well. I was pretty banged up. I made a complete recovery, didn't slow me down a bit. That's was 10 years ago. Keeping your head up makes the recovery allot easier. Trent, thanks for all the content. After a few KZfaq videos and a coupler hours in a SuperSTOL I now own a Taylorcraft. Funny how that works.

Truely shocking the magnitude and scale of the crash. The thing is he dosent even know most of us but the care and compassion is huge for him. It really hits home to see the plane totalled. Good luck on your recovery. So glad your alive Nikk.

This was actually the most important video that you've done.

Trent, I've been where your friend Nik was. My accident was caused when I was with the Air force and because of a couple of screw offs who felt that goofing off was more important than doing their jobs I almost got killed. I had both of my wrists crushed and now they're both fused. I can't bend them in any direction. I broke both my shoulders and my right scapula was totally seperated. My Neck was badly injured and i have bulging discs at C4,5,6 and 7. My lower back was damaged too. It's taken 36 surgeries to put me back together. My dream of flying or at least going flying again is burning in my heart. The worst part is the Air Force hasn't paid for hardly anything. Senator Mike Lee told me that the only way I can get my back pay and benefits is if I sue the Air Force in Federal court. But I don't know of any attorney that would take my case. The strange part is that I have all the documents to prove my case and story. It's taken me almost 40 years to get back to where I can probably fly again, but money is a problem from all the medical I had to pay for out of pocket. I'm almost 65 now. But I just wanted to say that I hope your friend gets through this and can resume his Dreams. God only knows how much I want to resume mine. Thanks for the Videos and God Bless.

Nikk my heart goes out to you. Here's to a speedy recovery, and know that there are so many out there thinking and preying for you. Trent thank you for sharing this. Your videos are the best... Stay safe!!!!

Thanks for the attitude check, I’m lying in bed with a smashed leg myself, facing another 4- 10 weeks of not walking. If Nick can be that cheery after that accident surely I can be more thankful to,,

He talks about fixing his body in the exact same tone and inflection that he talked about building his plane. He's obviously pretty pragmatic about the road ahead. I am thankful we live in a time where medical science can get him fixed up and back in the cockpit.

I will be taking flying lessons out of the same airport where my father’s crop dusting business “Aero Flight” was located, and where his feet last touched the ground on April 30th, 1974. I have been living in the same town since 1971. This video is very powerful for me in the fact that the father/son connection makes it very surreal to listen to. Thanks for making this video. It has helped me heal yet another tiny little bit filling the hole in my heart that will never totally be filled. Glad to see Nikk healing in the follow up videos. Nice to see future updates.

I’m a low time pilot, still have much to learn. I learned a lot from this video. You being painfully honest about the way it really is is what made this video the best ever. Keep on keep’n it real. Thanks- and all the best to Nick.

This video might, in and of itself, save a lot of lives just because it makes people keep glancing at the ball, airspeed indicator, and AI all the time while in turns. It is sooo easy to get sloppy or get target fixation on something on the ground. Thanks so much, Trent.

Maybe create a second channel for all the "raw and uncut" footage of the preflight checks and safety talks. It would be interesting to see, even if not a channel at least a video of the process how you prepare and what logistics go into what you do, even if its just a "toolbox talk" type deal id still want to see it. All the best to Nikk, get well soon.

amazing! i couldn't help myself from tearing up when you mentioned Nick's dad scream, i can't imagine the pain witnessing something so horrific and at the same time feeling completely helpless to save his son. i hope he is okay. but when i saw nick i was actually lifted, just seeing him smiling and grateful for being alive is simply amazing. glad he's okay, and i look forward to seeing him fly again. thanks for the video.

Praying for you and your family Nick!!!! Just remember that no matter how bad it is that it can always be worse!!! Thank God you have pulled through everything and I pray that you continue to pull and make a complete come back 🙏. Much love from South Georgia!

I always watch your videos Trent. This one I jumped up and went to a quiet place to watch it. I was waiting to learn what happened. That your friend is doing as well as he is considering what he went through is a miracle. A slightly different angle of impact, different terrain, different weather could have changed this to a memorial tribute to your friend. The end comes to all of us and to me the message is “don’t treat your life like a rag doll”. I apply it all the time. It could have been simply a moment when Nick was thinking of something else and just banked too sharply and perhaps a bit too low to get back out of it. He is beyond lucky and you will see a guy that checks his plane a little closer, the weather a little closer, his approach a little closer and he will go that extra step every time he goes up. I had a very close call with death in 1999. The takeaway is this; “Every day when you wake up and can lift yourself up and sit on the edge of your bed on you own, and you can place your feet on the floor and stand up with your own strength, When you can guide your steps without help, and you can taste,touch,feel,and see the world around you, when you can use your own mind to plan your day, You are rich beyond measure and only a fool ignores this blessing. Because this much and nothing more is enough to move mountains”. Godspeed to your friend Nick. Thanks for sharing.

Man. Such a long time to wait for medical assistance way out there. The fact that Nikk not only survived the initial crash but lasted long enough for the pro's to get to him is a miracle. That is a gift from God. You guys being there for him made such a difference as well. Nice job of you fellas holding it together and thinking fast to help him. God bless you all and prayers for Nikk's speedy recovery and family.

Bro, respect your honesty in self reflection. You’re setting a good example for beginner pilots like me! Keep on keepin on buddy.

You are a good friend Trent, I am a A&P mechanic for a purple tail freight airliner and would love to see Nikk in the cockpit someday. Let Nikk know I also had a bad leg injury years ago (Xmas lights on the roof + gravity = pilon fracture) tell him to hang in there and keep positive like I know he is and it will work out. Please keep the great videos coming Trent. Happy Thanksgiving.

I’m a grown man and not easily stirred in the emotions department.....but when you opened the door and I saw Nikk there I choked up. I started flight instruction this past Thursday and literally when I got back to my phone after finishing flying on Sunday I saw this notification. I’ve been inspired by Nikk, Trent, Cory and all of you boys....You’ve witnessed a miracle. We are blessed to still have Nikk and his magnetic personality. Never met any of you but I’m connected. Prayers to Nikk and all of you from eastern NC!

Great video Trent, so glad Nick is okay and on the way to recovery and flying again! Always enjoy your vids and the fun you guys have. I am 63 years old about to take m check ride for my PPL, better late than never! Anyway the message of safety was right on, watching you guys fly I can tell you have many hours of experience. Looking forward to seeing Nick back in the cockpit

Wow... just WOW. Thanks Trent and Nikk for this post. I teared up immediately as you walked in the hospital room and revealed Nikk laying there in his condition. It's just UNBELIEVABLE how well he's doing. "How in the world could anyone survive that?"... is all I can think about. A few years ago, I personally had a massive (high energy) fracture of my tib/fib in a skydiving accident and basically turned my lower leg into dust. The process seemed so daunting and took about 5 months for me to walk on it (full weight / unassisted). It felt like forever but as I look back now, it's just a memory. (the human body truly is incredible to witness as it puts itself back together - after this, Nikk will have enough knowledge to be an amateur Ortho surgeon... so at least there's that ;) I know Nikk has a mountain of recovery in front of him, but I know he will get through it and be back to work in no time - but he clearly seems to understand that already. And with the attitude that guy has? He'll be up faster than anyone else could, I'm sure! Seeing this incident so "personally" as a pilot, I find myself with a new found respect for the game and will definitely help me to focus more on safety. What an inspiration... thank you guys for this. Get well Nikk. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours - I'm sure gratitude is a buzz in that hospital room right now :)

Nick You are in my prayers for a quick recovery. God Bless you Trent keep us updated

Thanks for posting this important but emotional video Trent. You are fast becoming the voice of back country flying, energizing existing pilots & inspiring new ones. Through video you & the rest of the Flying Cowboys have become our friends & we all feel this tragedy as our own. Like many I have been waiting for this good news & it's great to see Nikk with a smile on his wounded face & tenacity in his heart.

Thanks Trent for putting out the video as we know traumatic events are difficult to relive for all involved. Your channel inspired me to work towards my license and as far as I’m concerned all information regarding both the fun and not-so-fun parts of flying is important for continuous improvement. Speedy recovery Nikk!!

I'm glad Nick is alright! I've worked and seen some pretty bad crashes over my short career so far with the ARFFS, the best way to deal with them is to talk openly and never hold them in. It's never an easy job watching someone crash their aircraft, you will always think back on it. I was once told by an engineer if you ever happen to be in a crash, get back in an aircraft and go back flying asap otherwise you will be scared for life to do it again. All the best from England.

Good job helping your friend. In the 35 years I have been flying I lost seven friends. All of these incidents were preventable but we always figure that out in retrospect don't we. The courage you have to share the event is critical to advancing the safety of others. Great job bro, Fellow Kitfox lover, Jeff

what are you talking about, Trent? This is the BEST "feel good" video you've ever made!!!

So grateful for this relatively positive report. Prayers and well-wishes lifted up for Nikk and looking forward to more progress reports. Stay safe, and as always Trent, thanks much for sharing. Steve

Trent and Nikk im sorry that this happened, i cant express how glad i am that Nick survived. This is not fun to experience for anybody and its good to hear his good attitude about the event, im a Reno local and i know he is in great hands at Renown i have had three foot surguries there due to a motorcycle accident and i was greatful for the facility and awesome doctors there. Nikk i pray for a speedy recovery, cheers guys and happy hollidays

That was painful to watch ... thumb up to you Trent ... lots of thoughts and prayers for Nikk from France !!! Get well soon !!!

Trent what a wonderful video done by you and Nikk, thank you for your honesty. As a relativity high time pilot at 68 years old, I have witnessed the loss of several of my friend over the years and I understand the anguish you experienced. I do not wish that feeling on anyone. Good luck to the both of you. My prayer for all that witnessed this event is healing. Flying a a great strong bond among aviators and I wish you all the best. Hopefully I will be able to visit and meet the Cowboys at some time in the future. Good luck and My best wishes to you, Nikk and all the families.

Hey guys and specially Nikk, awesome to see, hear and hear directly from Nikk that he is doing so well. so thank full all you guys were together caused minimal delay in getting help. Hope the ground crew managed to get footage of what may have gone wrong and you guys can get to the bottom of what actually happened. From what you said Trent and the one photo we haven't managed to see before, the Kitfox held up amazingly well for such a violent impact. Kudos to John for making such amazing aircraft, I had a Kitfox IV in the late 90's, Not from John's days but what a great plane it was. Speed on the recovery Nikk. Chris in South Africa

I love how he can trivialise it from his hospital bed by describing it as “not fun”.

Aviatiing is completely unforgiving of any error, mistake or carelessness . And even when you do everything right there be boojums lurking to hit you by surprise and STOL ops are where they're the most plentiful ! It certain seems to me Nikk owes his life to to the energy-absorbing aspects of the Kitfox design . Your concern and fear are evident Trent, but testing the edges of your skills is what makes life worth living . Those ' living on the edge ' share a camaraderie of spirit you are seeing in the hundreds of people supporting Nikk as a fellow adventurer . Great video, Trent ! Thanks for sharing !

I think everyone in and out of the aviation community is appreciative of this video and touching on a topic that’s often purposefully not talked about. So kudos to you and especially Nikk for turning a pretty shit situation into a conversation about safety and the reality of flying. And to Nikk, if I’ve learned nothing else, it’s that (most) injuries are temporary inconveniences that you get from not sitting on the couch; and sounds like you’ll be telling this story with a smirk while wearing a penguin suit soon enough.

Trent, not many people have more than 3 to 5 true friends in their lives. The 3 AM friend that will travel a thousand miles to answer a call of help from one of his buddies. Nikk and You are Blessed to have a friendship or maybe something more like a Brotherhood that is life long. To hear you speak of his fathers scream for his son sent chills through me. I've lived it with a close friend who lost his life with his 5 year old son in a Mid Air Accident back in 1994. May our father in heaven place his hands of healing over Nikk, give him favor, bless his life and get him back to his passion of flying. Start Safe, Stay Safe.

Hey Trent, I’ve been in a similar situation as a first responder twice previously, though with horses and riders rather than planes. You and your friends did everything right, based on what you and Nikk have said. One was with a girl who hit a fence post at a full gallop leaning out of the saddle, wrapping herself completely around it. Completely flailed chest, massive internal bleeding, broken shoulders and fractured skull. Second was a close friend who had the horse fall down completely on her, after she was thrown headfirst into the dirt. Ribs, neck, head & internal bleeding again. Both needed the largest medivac chopper in NSW due to their injuries and were in Comas for quite a while (3 months and 3 weeks, respectfully), though survived. Seriously, get some psychological help in order to assist you with processing this, as accidents like that really f*** with the minds of those who witness & respond to it. Also a request for a future video: Do a complete run-through of what goes into safety and risk reduction. There’s ways to make such videos fun, if you think about it. Cheers, K.

Nick, you're my hero! What a role model for being positive, lucid, and optimistic. \ Thank God you're alright!

5 Part Comment: 1) Nick, you are one tough hombre. Your attitude and optimism are pretty incredible. 2) As a father, I seriously feel for your Dad (seeing it happen) and hope he's ok. 3) You guys should let us give something back. The videos you guys produce give us so much enjoyment that we (friends you don't know) WANT to help in some tiny insignificant way. Give us a way to give back and do a go fund me or something. 4) Says quite a bit for Kitfox to build a plane that has characteristics survivable in what would otherwise be catastropic. 5) I have a device called a GameReady that I'd be happy to loan you. It's an ice water circulation and compression unit that pro athletes use to heal and will help immensely in your recovery... Insurance doesn't usually cover this because the machine is fairly expensive but mine is practically new and yours to use... just say the word and I'll ship it.

Trent. There is absolutely no need to apologize thanks to Nikk and you for giving us that painful information. Glad to seeing him do so well. It is great to see the aviation community and non pilots like me wishing him a speedy recovery.

Way to go Nick!! Gonna need some extra trim help on take off !! Hey Trent, Thanks for bringing this. As a former member of CAP in Reno, it's good to see one that didn't go all the way. Cheers Nick!! Hope to see you in a 37 PM my next trip to the Washoe!😊

Nikk's attitude is excellent, much respect for that guy, here's to a speedy recovery. Trent great job documenting this account for us all.

Trent, from my armchair pilot's seat, I've enjoyed flying along with you on each adventure. This was a rough one, and so glad that Nikk is as well as he indicates. Other pictures I've seen of his chopped up KitFox frame already told me that he was a very lucky guy. Please follow his recovery the best you can since I see Nikk, as well as all your buddies, a special bunch.

Trent..you are mistaken...this is the best feel good video you've ever posted..thank you...and Nikk you still look pretty..can't wait to see you back in the air...

I am an old guy, Canada. I saw you guys flying and its minimal ., They are the planes I liked. My grandfather flew Sopwith Camels, 1918. He always said, its funny how a farmer from New Brunswick, Learned to Fly in England. Everything has risks, its the Question Why? which leads us to answers, or at least possibles. You cannot watch this without tears, you need to check the pulse. So glad your mending.

This is a good reminder that medical emergency and cpr training is an important part of aviation training. Every pilot needs a well thought out mdical kit on board.

So glad Nikk is doing better bud. Give him our best, well done with the video and analysis. ✌️

I survived an IFR encounter with unforecast weather that ended in an engine out flat spin from 7,000 feet. Worse injuries than Nick. I still fly. I am in the home stretch of building an RV10. My best advice to Nick is NEVER let a negative thought enter your mind. Stay 100% positive at all times. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something!

So Glad to hear Nikk is doing well after what must be a very terrifying ordeal. To hear that the KZfaq and Aviation Community has responded so well is great, but I am not all that surprised. Nick and Trent are people you want to be around, want to see succeed. When I buy my Factory Kitfox I know which CFI I would like along with me. I am not just saying that, Nikk, I look forward to seeing you back in the cockpit soon bro. Heart goes out to you and your awesome family.

Wish him all the best and a complete recovery.

Thanks Trent, and the outcome was heart wrenching for me, even with his miracle survival. You reacted with bravery and intelligent accident management which helped save Nikk’s life. I lost my best friend in ‘69 to an accident where a C-141 had an emergency and turned through his practice airspace he was using for flight instruction as a CFI. May 21, 1969. The Air Force and the NTSB never acknowledged the truth, only the ATC controllers knew the truth and showed his dad the radar recording. It was a near miss he never saw coming, but tore the right wing off the Cessna 152. So, I know how you feel, and fortunate that this was recoverable for Nikk. Six degrees of separation with so many of these for me, only most were not happy endings. I flew into Madras, OR for the eclipse and there was a stall spin fatal accident base to final; the engine was sputtering on downwind, so was it carb ice, or fuel starvation? The plane burned on impact, so no other clues. Low speed, turning, degree of bank, cross wind, wind shear, plane packed with camping gear/weight & balance, density altitude, ball not perfectly centered, may all have contributed to a low wing stall if slightly uncoordinated (turn and bank ball not centered to you non pilots). I took the stall spin course from Bruce Williams, BruceAir.com, and it was an eye opener. The best $1300 I have ever spend on my flight training as this was a requirement for CFI, and it was both fun and sobering to see how easy it was to get into a spin. THE PILOT COMMUNITY IS READY TO HELP NIKK RECOVER AND GET A NEW PLANE BACK TO FLYING. Looking forward to the connection...🛫😎

Holy smokes !!! Im astounded at how well you guys have handled this ... amazed firstly at how alive , clear headed and good Nick sounds considering how much is repairing in his body ... actually brought tears to my eyes watching the whole thing ... I have to say I totally applaud you delivering us this video and satisfying the wonder and angst of the thousands of us out here that are following this ... not that we need this or have to have this in light of this being truly about Nick and what he is going through and not about what we want out here .. but we sure do appreciate this Trent .. showing us the inside of whats going on .. Extraordinarily well done .. you are a master comunicator ... Nick is in our prayers .. So amazingly happy his spine and nerve system is in tact and he will most likely return to functionality that is not considered handicapped .... Though he is badly busted up... that is unbelievably good news

Well done and heartfelt, with an important message. In everything we do, the fun stops when the red leaks out. Safety isn't a wet blanket, it's a badge of achievement, competency and integrity. Thank you. Get well Nikk! We're pulling for your complete recovery, buddy! Nikk, Trent, the Patey twins!, and all the loons of the Flying Cowboys are inspiring me to get my bug-smasher license. See you in VFR!

Your anguish and concern is evident Trent and your mental input will greatly assist the medics in bolting Nikk together and getting him back to flying fit. From a private pilot in U.K. my very best regards to all who feel the pain.

These are the types of videos that have to be made. We are always learning and we need to learn from others. I hope the NTSB can find something definitive for everyone's benefit. Get well soon Nik.

Good recovery for all of you guys hope you will stay in Flying after this horrible crash💪💪❤

Let Nikk know that he's in my prayers.

He is amazing... Even with all the injuries in his face he looks absolutely amazing. Dealing so easy with it. Wow... Best for you, Nikk! I am impressed!

Thank you for sharing this. I hope and pray for Nikk's recovery to be speedy. Be safe out there guys. I left my last job due to safety concerns while flying. This is an area I am familiar with. There are so many factors that play into these incidents. Jeez...Intense...

As a pilot one thing that I want to keep doing is to keep learning and to keep practicing! Thanks for speaking about safety, it is super important and love Nicks attitude to teach others so that this would not happen again.

Gosh I'm so sorry to hear about the accident, I myself am extremely thankful and grateful for your bro Nick surviving this accident. Get well soon Nick.

I hope Nick is doing well. I had a really bad car accident and recovery was no picnic. All we can do is moral support, and prayers. God Bless and speedy recovery. Looking forward to meeting both of you in the future. Paul Zimmermann

I'm so glad Nikk is alive and on his way to recovery. I can't imagine how scary this must have been fo everyone involved. Best wishes to him, and to you too, Trent. Stay safe!

Happy to see he’s in good spirits and thank you for the updates!

Glad he is pulling through! I'm a crop duster up in canada and every season we have crashes that hit home because it's a small world in aerial applicating. It always sets you back a bit and keeps you focused and not complacent. Thanks for the videos!

I’m not one to comment on KZfaq but I really appreciate this video Trent. I do fly backcountry stuff a good bit and it’s really easy to get ourselves in “close” calls to often. God bless and prayers sent for Nikk and you guys. Hopefully folks will learn from this terrible accident and I’m so thankful he’s still with us.

Sending very best thoughts to Nikk, his family and friends. I'm a pilot in training and this base to final "booby trap" is exactly what I am studying right now. Thank you so much for publishing this video.

Trent, Thank you for sharing. Thank God for Nicks survival. Safety is a major thing for all. I fly hang gliders, and in the 70's guys were getting hurt and killed all the time. The USHGA publication began publishing a monthly article, "Accident Reports" Glider Pilots would volunteer "Incident Reports" with as much detail as possible. Over time the hang gliding community learned how to make better decisions and become better aware of the glider they are flying, and now the sport a safe sport. Glider manufactures learned from accidents and made improvements to glider design. Hang Gliding is a self-regulating activity and is a safe sport today. I think if your circle of pilots came together and collaborated, and did one video a month to talk about safety and incidents, the what, and why, and the outcome, all recreational pilots can begin to learn and be aware of things that they might be thinking about. Learning from one another. A very passive way to keep recreational pilots safe and even save a life. It would be a great KZfaq channel for all. Here is a USHGA Link to see what the Safty reports look like today. every pilot should read on a regular base. It makes it easier for a pilot to make better decisions on the hill and in the sky.www.ushpa.org/page/safety

This makes me think of a few days ago when I overshot my base leg and did way to steep of a turn to get lined back up for final. Videos like this remind us all how quick shit can go south. If I ever get in that position again I'll not hesitate to tell the tower I blew it and need to go around and try again.

knowing that my dad nearly crashed in a Cessna 150 because of a sudden gust makes me feel so lucky that what happened to nikk didnt happen to my dad. But with nikk crashing in a near-fatal crash still hits close to home. I was young when that incedent happened to my dad but I can imagine the anxiety you guys have. Hope Nikk gets better! Wishes from Australia

OMG glad Nikk is (ok alive) sure sounds like a stall spin, been flying 30 years and have caught myself not paying attention to air-speed, especially on a bank-turn, Its a real eye-opener....

You guys are Legends. Al the best to Nikk for the challenges that lie ahead. I think including some preflight and debriefing stuff in your vids would be great as it would bring us closer to the reality of flight.

Wow I was just watching your video of your first landing at your own airstrip at the end of the video Nick was working on his kitfox, so glad he pulled through. Bless him and his family! ❤🤘

I really feel for you here. In late July this summer I had a mid air collision on take off after camping on a remote island with 80 foot trees around the runway. some guy who decided he was going to land without making a radio call or circling the run way came in and hit us at about 75 mph while we were taking off. Somehow by the grace of God I managed to land it while my rudder was gone as well as my right elevator and at the same time I was watching my left wing collapse. The "landing" was pretty rough and my left main gear dug 2 feet into the ground and sent the left wing into the cockpit and missed my head by a couple inches and hit my father In the face (if it had hit me I would have died) and at the same time a chunk of the others guy propeller that was wood came in and hit my knee board and sent it flying (if that would have hit just a few inches lower it would have went into my thigh and probably hit a major artery and killed me). I had to then crawl out of the wreck while ripping and terring at my shoulder harness and life jacket (we were planning to go over water) to get out then I had to go back in to almost pull my father out. The point is I'm VERY VERY lucky to be alive and blessed to have made it out of there with just a mouth full of glass and some nasty bruises. It was pretty traumatic and in fact I'm shaking now as I right this and it's pretty crazy to see someone who wasn't as fourtunate. I'm glad your friend is alive but even if he is happy and smiling you should really make sure that he's ok mentally because stuff like this is traumatic to anyone who goes through it. You probably won't even see this though.(Also the FAA showed how useless they were and blamed all of it on us because the dude who hit us was a multi millionaire, but that's another matter)

Thanks for the vid, had to be hard to do...as a old guy who has broken most every bone in his body (motorcycles, including the eye socket thing), its all recoverable...just hurts some when you get older lol...as a 15k plus military aviator the better you get the more you need to be alert, hindsight is always 20/20...that said, damn I'm glad he came through it OK...You guys are an inspiration, reminds me of the camaraderie I had in the USMC. Hope Nikk gets in the air soon...best wishes from the Philippines and a heartfelt thanks for what you do...and not trying to sound like the all knowing old man, you grow from everything you do and experience...put it behind you and truck on...

Although stall/spin onto final is a very common scenario where pilots crash, I find it interesting that this one occurred out in the middle of a wide open plain. No need to turn tight onto final. I was hoping Nikk was going to say what he thinks happened, although I suppose he may not even remember it. Glad he made it and will live to fly another day.

Best of Luck to you Nick get well soon I’m wheelchair bound due to spinal cord injuries take it slow and walk again please I enjoy you and Trent I’ll keep you in my prayers Get well Buddy

Very good video and a salutary lesson for everyone, it's so easy for something like this to happen, low and relatively slow in the circuit, a moment or two being distracted, Airspeed can decay quickly.. So important to monitor the ASI, every second, in the latter stages of the circuit.