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OBITUARY ALAN HONEYBORNE - AVIATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE It is with deep sadness and regret that we inform our members of the passing of friend and fellow Sport Aviator, ALAN HONEYBORNE of Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa on or about the 28th of May 2004, in China. Alan and Ricky, both from South Africa were on a Round the World Flying mission on two Microlight Trikes and had set off from RSA on Dec 17th 2003, The Centennial Year of Flight. Traversing through Africa and Asia, they arrived in Malaysia and were hosted by members of EAA 1090 during their visit here. They left Langkawi, Malaysia on 8th May, via Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam enroute to China. On or about the 28th of May, they were flying in the vicinity of Changsha in central China enroute to Beijing, when Alan’s machine apparently suffered a catastrophic failure of the wing, causing Alan to crash into a swift flowing river, 100 km north west of Changsha. To the credit of the Chinese Aeronautical Authorities, an immediate search and rescue effort was mounted with over two hundred personnel involved. The wreckage was found within hours. Alan was dead on impact. The weather was not good at that time in the area. Ricky bore the brunt of the tragedy and recovered and identified Alan’s remains, which was cremated at 1500hrs on 3rd June in Changsha. Alan’s mother Jocelyn, had arrived in Changsha for the cremation and bore his remains to his family in Port Elizabeth. A memorial service to celebrate Alan’s adventurous life will be held at St John’s Methodist Church in PE at 1430 hrs on 10th June. The President and Members of EAA Malaysia remember Alan with great fondness while he was here and enjoyed his company immensely. While we are saddened and grieve at his mortal loss, we remain comforted that Alan lived his life fruitfully and that his loss was not in vain. He remains forevermore in a better place. We extend our deepest condolences to Alan’s family, his closest flying partner Ricky De Agrela, his numerous friends and relatives throughout the World and all those who had come to know and love this ‘gentle giant’. To Alan……………..We Love you and we’ll miss you
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