Cessna Test Plane Crashes In SW Butler County
Cessna Test Plane Crashes In SW Butler County Save Email Print
Reporter: Cayle Thompson
Email Address: cayle.thompson@kake.com
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A Cessna plane went down in southwest Butler County a few miles east of Douglass.

The plane was a prototype of the Cessna Skycatcher, and it was on a routine test flight.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud pop then seeing sparks as the plane spiraled downward, crashing into a tree line about 1/2 mile east of Hopkins Switch Road on 230th near the Butler County/Cowley County line.

A Cessna spokesperson said the plane had more than 100 flights and 150 hours in the air.

The pilot parachuted out of the plane and landed safely in a field roughly 400 yards away from the wreckage. Cessna says the most important detail is the safety of the pilot, who was taken to the hospital with only minor injuries.

The pilot has been identified as 70-year-old Bobby Newsom.

The Skycatcher is Cessna's entry into the sport and training plane market.

Cessna says it is too early to know what went wrong, and it could be days or weeks before the investigation is complete.

Stay with KAKE News and kake.com for continuing updates.
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Posted by: William Location: Georgia on Jan 23, 2009 at 09:56 AM
a note on the flat spin of the skycatcher, a friend got into that same thing in a different type airplane, at 10000 went into flat spin,a long time pilot could not recover,he knew he was dead. at 1000 feet he deicided to cut eng off ,stop prop, that caused the plane to stop spining,and was able to recover, hope no one ever needs to try this, it was a different aircraft, might not work on the skycatcher but i do keep that in my mind . my friend thinks the spining prop is what kept it flat spining
Posted by: PP on Sep 24, 2008 at 07:59 AM
That's Neat - If you are 70 does that automatically make you incompetent? There are alot of 70 year old people out there who are in great physical and mental shape! Thumbs up!
Posted by: That's Neat on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:53 PM
The thing I like about this story is that the test pilot is seventy years old. It's nice that Cessna recognizes that this guy has probably forgotten more about flying that some thirty year-old has ever known. Thumbs up!
Posted by: Dean Location: California on Sep 22, 2008 at 01:20 PM
As a former test pilot, I have had much experience with spins, including flat spins. Cessna has a great design there when they work our the kinks. Cessna would do well to investigate the relative size of the rudder compared to the fixed vertical (not a direct cause in this case) plus enlarging the vertical/dorsal about 25%. Also angle of elevator travel. I flew the Aerobat in airshows one season and found the rudder to be slightly lacking in authority. No problem with spinning, although I did not temp fate by leaving power on full with certain high-angle-of-attack maneuvers. I found, through the years, that most airplanes will spin flat regardless of the balance under certain circumstances. They may appear to be spinning normally, but aerodynamically, they are stable in a flat spin. If the engine dies, it's time to leave. Art Scholl didn't, and he died. I corrected a tendency for a flat spin in one aircraft by suggesting a small dorsal fin be added.
Posted by: Kevin Location: Vienna Austria on Sep 20, 2008 at 11:06 AM
The lady on the video tape said nothing, and she went on about normal experimental test flights. What is normal? Answer, it normal for me not to say anything, so Cessna won't lose any sales. Build it in America! Not China!
Posted by: Charlie Location: MA on Sep 20, 2008 at 05:39 AM
China junk
Posted by: Frank Location: New York on Sep 20, 2008 at 12:45 AM
According to AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, "A spokesman from the National Transportation Safety Board said it was an Experimental category flight test to conduct a stall series at 10,000 feet. The SkyCatcher entered an unintentional flat spin and continued to 5,000 feet, where the test pilot bailed out." Flat spins are often not recoverable so after losing 5000 feet, the pilot wisely bailed out. In determining the flight envelope, planes are ofter pushed to their limits (which may be unknown until after the test.) I'd guess that Cessna will be reevaluating their weight and balance figures.
Posted by: Jim Location: Long Beach on Sep 19, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Cessna Skycatchers will be MADE IN CHINA is it a wonder that they crash?
Posted by: John Location: Wichita on Sep 19, 2008 at 01:13 PM
The sparks (and smoke) that the witnesses saw may have been from him blowing the bail out panel prior to actually leaving the aircraft. At this early stage, we can't assume that the accident was caused by an engine or electrical fire. I'd lean more toward him not being able to get out of a particular maneuver.
Posted by: Jim Location: Dallas, TX on Sep 19, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Reports say sparks and smoke. The engine not the airframe causes this. Cessna does not make the engine (but it DOES the wiring) so the airframe, which came down in one piece, seems not a problem so far. Pilots abhor fire and will jump if they can and not ride the bird down. All aircraft are EXPERIMENTAL until the FAA approve them otherwise even airliners.
Posted by: Will Location: Fairfield CT on Sep 19, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Steve, I wouldn't worry about the airplane's safety. Once Cessna figures out what happened they will correct any deficiency before the plane goes into production. Any safety of flight issues must be corrected before a new aircraft gets its type certification from the feds. I'm kinda surprised the pilot had to bail out, as I always figured it's safer to ride the plane down and let it take the abuse of an off-field landing, but am also curious to hear from Cessna exactly what went wrong. Do you own a flight school? Is that why you've ordered two 162s?
Posted by: Ralph Location: Lexington SC on Sep 19, 2008 at 08:50 AM
The prototype was built in Wichita by Cessna. When the plane goes into full production it will be built in China then reassembled and test flown in one of three assembly centers here in the US. It's an awesome design with many safety features. It's being built in the Light sport catagory of aircraft. While the aircraft is in testing it flies under the experimental catagory. I'm glad to hear the pilot is ok. The reason airplane stories make headlines is that they seldom crash. Cessna has some great info on the plane on their website.
Posted by: Mimi Location: Wichita on Sep 19, 2008 at 06:18 AM
First off, I'm glad the pilot is ok and may any cause of the accident be found and corrected before these planes are sold. Secondly, leave cliff alone. He has his right to post and not have people flaming him cause they don't like to see him commenting. If you don't like something someone says, don't read it. It's that simple. You can always skip over a specific persons comments :-)
Posted by: Steve Location: Oregon on Sep 18, 2008 at 09:54 PM
I have 2 Skycatchers on order. I'm anxious to hear what caused this incident, and why the pilot was forced to bail out. Should I be concerned...?
Posted by: Dave Location: Buffalo, NY on Sep 18, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Nice plane! http://se.cessna.com/skycatcher/
Posted by: Bob Location: Longview, Texas on Sep 18, 2008 at 06:09 PM
NOTE FROM A PILOT: Yes the plane, a Cessna Skycatcher, that crashed is a single engine. A flying "prototype" plane is always on a "test flight" when flying prior going into production. The company "test pilot" will always wear a parachute when on a test flight. Glad the pilot is ok. Yes, sometimes a plane like this can crash and that makes big news. Cessna, like all other aircraft manufacturers, highly test the "prototype" plane(s), so have a safe product for us consumers.
Posted by: cliffhater Location: wichita on Sep 18, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Pay no attention to Cliff. Cliff has no job, he's just a troll that surfs the net aimlessly, leaving little tidbits of his immense knowledge here and there. You can't look at an article without having to hear from Cliff. Get a life Cliff, it's time to move on.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 18, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Thank goodness the pilot walked away with minor injuries. "Test Plane" hence the word!
Posted by: big boy Location: wichita on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Actually it was made here in Wichita.
Posted by: Confused on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Cliff, when you read, does your brain process what you are reading? And did you still realize that you are on the kake.com page? Just curious. Every day you make posts that are way out there...
Posted by: anon Location: Wichita on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Cessna should be thanked for the amount of time they put into testing their aircraft before their customers are able to fly them. I'm glad this type of thing happened during testing by a qualified test pilot instead of after a customer had the plane.
Posted by: Matt Location: Wichita on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Built in WICHITA. Production will be in China, but this plane was built in east Wichita.
Posted by: time2fly Location: Wichita on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:05 PM
It was actually built right here in Wichita. The new plane Cessna announced is not a single engine
Posted by: James Location: w on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Made in China; nuff said
Posted by: Editor Location: KAKE on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:50 PM
It was a Cessna Skycatcher. Headline and artwork have been updated. Thanks
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:41 PM
on the KAKE.com page, the headline reads " experimental plane" in the artical it says cessna, and the pilot parachuted down, was this the new plane cessna announced a couple of weeks ago, the single engine one?
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    Fire Department: Fireworks Are Illegal In Most Of Sedgwick County
    • Posted By: : Park city looked like the first Iraq war last night!!! It was spectacular,the whole sky was lit up waaayyyy into the night in ALL neighborhoods...like it is EVERY year and did not have ONE incident of a feild or house fire! Sorry you people in Wichita did not get to enjoy! If you're good...we might let you come and see us shoot them next year...but thats only if you're good..kiddys.
    • Posted By: Stacy: These guidelines are good. However, I'm new to Wichita and I have to say I'm shocked at how many people shoot off fireworks in the city proper and in parking lots of businesses andapartment buildings (like the one I live in). If it's illegal to do this, why on earth is it so commonplace? I was in the military for a few years, about 3 of which were spent in a lot of different areas of the continental U.S., not to mention the nearly 18 years I grew up in mosly Montana. I never before have seen an entire city with so many amateur fireworks displays inside of city limits. Law enforcement, why aren't you enforcing anything?
    • Posted By: Anonymous: I agree with Frankie although the sedgwick county fire department says they only enforce the law, they pushed for the fireworks ban. I believe the original was in 1978. I know it was after bottle rockets were made illegal in Kansas. I wish government would quit trying to protect us from ourselves, we need protection from them. I'm sure our tax dollars paid for the signs, putting them up, and then for taking them down stuck all over! KAKE needs to go through it's archives and find the original ban the sedgwick county commissioners signed and also read the constitution it says that we have the right to celebrate our independance with fireworks. For those complaining about fires in rural areas I've lived out in rural sedgwick for over 50 years and the instance of a house or wheatfield fire being caused by fireworks is pretty uncommon. It's a sparsely populated area unlike city living and fireworks tend to go up not shoot out for miles. Farmers intentionally light the stubble after harvest!
    • Posted By: Firefighter: Fireworks were banned in Sedgwick County in 1978. Why? There weren't enough firefighters and equipment to go around. Calls were waiting for a response. Firefighters came to work at 7:00 and didn't see their station until the following morning. There were was much damage to fire equipment. The County department had a tank truck roll. This type of response had been occuring for several years. This doesn't even speak to the damage to stuctures, possesions and the persons that where injured. The departments and civic leaders said enough,and fireworks were banned. Some of you say we are unamerican. Far from the truth. You have asked us to watch after you and assist in the time of need. Sometimes that means prevetion instead of action. I love fireworks as much as the next person. Fireworks have slowly made it back into many communities. If everyone can prove they have self control and caution when using fireworks then, they may come back everywhere. Stay safe this 4th.
    • Posted By: Anonymous: I guess I'm one of the hundreds of others that did not realize ALL FIREWORKS WERE ILLEGAL! (At least For those of us living outside a city limits in sedgwick county). I knew that while some cities Belle Plaine, Clearwater, Haysville, etc.. chose to allow BIG STUFF (the aerials) Wichita did not. The 78' fireworks ban was for the BIG STUFF!! The unincorporated areas had to follow sedgwick county's allowable fireworks same as the city of wichita chose to do. What year did they sneak in NO FIREWORKS AT ALL OF ANY TYPE for unincorporated sedgwick county?? It wasn't in the original ban. Living outside the city limits of any town, even when ALL FIREWORKS were allowed there were no fireworks stands out here, and the news was saying buy where you live, I called the no fire number for the sedgwick county fire department and asked where we should buy fire works that would be legal and I was told in wichita city limits. This is unconstitutional, prejudiced and segregates rural sedgwick county!!!!
    • Posted By: George Washington: This is all silly. I am going outside to set off Fireworks.
    • Posted By: Susan: Ok, I will expect everyone who is upset to show up at the next Sedgwick County council meeting. If you don't even at least call your councilman, than you should not complain.
    • Posted By: Shaun: I think that people in the county needs to remember that this day is to celebrate or freedom as a country!!! China gave us fireworks to help US and a COUNRTY celebrate. To me this is UNAMERICAN!!! Yes, i agree that the big ones that can set major fires sould probly not be shot in rural areas. And all though this law don't affect me personally, it still does as I am a soldier and an American. I am proud of my country. Even if I could only shoot off fountains or what ever I still think that is better than nothing. As long as the person shooting them off is doing it on a concrete surface I don't see why they can't have small fireworks!!!!!
    • Posted By: donald otnes: My daughter called me at 10:15 pm on July 2, 2009. She had people setting off fireworks in her housing district. The kids were firing off the ones that sound like a bomb going off. Are people that stupid to let kids have fireworks that could blow up and take a hand off or even there face.
    • Posted By: miss america: My family is apparently among the wild, irresponsible rednecks in unincorporated Sedgwick county that have shot off fireworks every year on the 4th since I was a baby. It's true there is a need to protect farmers' wheatfields, so I can understand why the county might ban the big fireworks that fly up in the air, and bottle rockets, etc. But, why shouldn't we be able to at least set off the smaller fireworks, such as fountains, that are less dangerous? Why are our families denied the privilege of celebrating the 4th in a safe, fun way just because we live in the unincorporated areas? This fireworks ban on the 4th needs to be loosened up. It's really not fair.
    • Posted By: a: Think about this people! Fireworks are loud and anoying! I am so sick of people setting them off late at night while we are trying to sleep! My baby is being kept up by fireworks because people set them off at two in the morning!Please just think about where you are setting them off like close to houses and apartment buildings. Those are not good places to be doing them!
    • Posted By: Firefighters daughter: For those who think that firefighters just "sit around" you obviously have no idea what these people do. Just looking at the 4th, I can recall as a child how we all wondered if my dad would get to finish his hamburger before being called out to yet another of the many fires he went on that day . The work they do isn't restricted to a summer holiday. Think about the gear they wear...heavy coats, boots, air tanks, even on 100 degree days. Take a walk in their boots and face the fires, car accidents, tornado/storms, floods, and other emergencies they must face with courage, calm, and strength in order to save lives and property. As for "washing the truck" and other maintenance that must be done, do you want a rusted out, broken hosed truck showing up at your house because they DIDN't do those things? I hope they do get a chance to relax, eat, sleep, etc. between the emergencies they must face. I want a well rested and ready fire fighter showing up at my house should I ever need one
    • Posted By: rebecca: hey does anyone know if the little boy that went into QT has been found? I know this isn't the topic but I just wanted to know.
    • Posted By: : h: I believe that fireworks like Black Cats can be used in Derby as well as Wichita (it's been a long time since I've done any here so I wouldn't definitely know). But they might be setting off something bigger like an M50. The main problems they've had is with the ones that burst into showers of colored balls and sparks like we see in the big displays, roman candles, M80s and the ones that spray out sparks. The Eagle Beacon, last year, said that a good rule of thumb is if they shoot out sparks more than about 6 feet from the device then they are probably illegal.
    • Posted By: h: well they are sure shooting them in derby and we're in sedgwick county either they are not banned or the police in derby are not doing anything about the ones that are shooting off fireworks already. Frankly I'm sick of it, the neighborhood kids are shooting them off close to my property and my dogs are having fits, a call to the local police dpt says nothing they can do....so if they are banned in sedgwick county then they should be banned in derby and the derby police dpt needs to start enforcing the ban, if they aren't banned in derby then they need to be, there are other ways of having a good time on the 4th of July without having to endanger your yard, my yard, your life!!!!
    • Posted By: : If everyone was a responible person that means for their self and for the one's that have children, then we wouldn't have had these laws made.The population is so high now that the fire departments are on overload because of the people that will not take responsiblity for their actions.And as far as the fire department setting around!!! Let your house be on fire and then have to wait because these people are not at their work area's because you think they are setting around.I would hate for them to be kept busy 24/7. What would happen to our town without them if that were the case.Already the street that I live on is littered with trash from fire works because people are not responsibly.(not all)
    • Posted By: D: I completely agree with Anonymous at 9:26. Linda, unless you've been living under a rock, it's been well known for years that fireworks are illegal in the city limits. They make the same announcements every year. They don't sell the "big" illegal fireworks in the city but everyone still goes out of city limits to buy them and then come back home and shoot them off out in the neighborhood streets. I've seen fireworks in my neighborhood that would rival the ones at riverfest and Lawrence Dumont stadium and they aren't legal in the city.
    • Posted By: : Cliff: That's true but when they are burned off purposely there are fire control measures in place. When someone sets a fire with fireworks they tend to run away and then it gets out of control. Like I said, I've missed work because of people who do this. The reason why they made them illegal in Sedgwick County to begin with is because most people here are not responsible enough to use them safely. And Linda: They've been telling people every year that they are illegal. Most people just don't pay attention. And they only selll fireworks in Wichita that you can set off in Wichita. That's why they've always said "Shoot them where you buy them".
    • Posted By: Rod: I'm with 'Anonymous on Jul 1, 2009 at 08:08 AM'... Helps us Obama! We need you to protect us from ourselves! ALL PRAISE OBAMA!!!
    • Posted By: Linda: Ok, for one I think if they were illegal, than why didn't we know about it along time ago. I bet that the majority of the people that lives in Wichita didn't know this, and I think it is not right to start enforcing it NOW, I mean come on the main reason why people shoot of fireworks is for the kids entertainment, Also if its going to be illegal than why on earth should selling fireworks at the stands not be? People see the signs that fireworks are illegal, but when they are driving around wichita and see firework stands it just tempts them that much more. So I think its not right.
    • Posted By: cliff: anonomous at 8;08, fireworks are a tradition on the fourth of july. and the "tinderbox "harvesed wheat fields are usually burnt off this time of year anyway even without fireworks.
    • Posted By: : Bottle Rocket Roger: What makes you think being American means you should have the right to set off explosives? For the idiots who think they need to have fireworks: how many of you have to call into work and tell your boss you can't come in because some moron set fire to your house or yard? What about when they go outside the city & set them off in newly harvested wheat fields that are nothing more than tinderboxes at this time of year? Every year for the past six years I've lost pay because idiots cannot control themselves or the fires they set.
    • Posted By: don: its really sad,,,,we are not hardly even "independent" anymore,,,the government has "used" up all are rights,,,,,like the ol' saying goes though "just be glad your not getting ALL the government you pay for",,,,,period, end of sentence !!!!
    • Posted By: : Anonymous who is coming down on firefighters and their "lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals" has no clue what firefighters do and how many calls many of the stations get,though many are medical. Firefighters are not exactly unpatriotic joy-squelchers, but they are supposed to educate the general public about fire safety. If you even understood all the job entailed you wouldn't talk like that.
    • Posted By: Bottle Rocket Roger: When I lived in a town just north of wichita,we were able to shoot fireworks ALL day long for a week..Park City allows fireworks ALL day long for week,NO problems in either town! We celebrate the 4th like americans in these towns! The people that made fireworks illegal in Wichita and hate the fireworks are ALL UNAMERICAN! Go hide in you're basements and shake like a coward..the M80's are coming!
    • Posted By: : We need two things immediately. One, a petition to remove this descriminatory 1978 law against residents of the county, and secondly, another petition to remove the authors of this law if they are still in office, and any other person in authority that supports it. I'll drive any distance to sign those petitions. Our tax dollars were used to print and post these signs and will also be used again to remove them, and patrol neighborhoods looking for little kids shooting ladyfinger firecrackers. This travesty of the use of our tax dollars must be exposed with those that have attacked Independence Day.
    • Posted By: Bob: Enforce the law! Many firewoks are dangerous, destructive, and disturbing--especially to pets.
    • Posted By: : I never knew there were so many un-educated people around the state. It even says in the text of the story, that the fire department is not going to be doing extra patrolling, due to staffing. People are very careless with their fireworks in the "uncorperated" area's of the county. You add wind, and some dry wood, or brush.. And you cause a very dangerous situation, and put those "poorly staffed" fire deparments that respond in danger. ****If you live in a town/city in "sedgwick County".. you need to check your local laws. The no fireworks law - is for "uncorprated" - aka *NOT IN CITY LIMITS*
    • Posted By: Michelle: Can't we come to a compromise? Make them illigal everyday of the year, except the 4th? I agree with the ones on here that said we are celebrating our FREEDOM! This is what the USA is about. Hotdogs, baseball and fireworks! 8-)
    • Posted By: Kristy: "But many like Sedgwick County Resident Michael Dixson don't plan on breaking the law." Seriously - someone who writes for a news station should be familiar with proper grammar usage.
    • Posted By: : How ironic it is that it's Independance Day however; they tell you that you can't fire off any fireworks.....at least any that are worth paying money for. Yes, we're slowly on our way to becoming a communist country. I miss Archie Bunker!
    • Posted By: : Why even celebrate??? Pretty sad when Amerians can't participate in the tradation and celebration of America's Indepandance. I feel for you rual Sedwick County people. Sedwick County SUCKS!!
    • Posted By: Tim: The Fire Department IS NOT encouraging people to call 911 every time they see people shooting fireworks, this will create an unnecessary strain on the 911 system. The problem is being worked on and will take time to get things all straightened out. If you have an emergency or a problem that warrants calling 911 by all means call 911. What is not needed is a call to 911 every time you see someone shooting a firecracker.
    • Posted By: : The fire departments are going out of their way with NO FIREWORKS signs just because they don't want to have to work any more than they have to. Little fire here and there disrupts their lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals!
    • Posted By: topper: at one time you couldn't shoot fire works in dodge, now that we can the 2nd through the 5th i think. i havent heard of more fires or whatever it is you think is going to happen if you were to allow.. its the 4th of july, and you stoping people from celebrating. thats dumb if you ask me. besides, people are going to shoot them off no matter what you do.
    • Posted By: Frankie: The Fire Department says it only enforces the law against fireworks in Sedgwick County, but I've lived here since 1938 and I remember that it was the Sedgwick County Fire Department that pushed for the County Commissioners to pass the illegal fireworks law.
    • Posted By: anoymous: It is a little confusing, because Park City has fireworks tents all over, but I thought Bel Aire and Park City were actually their own "cities", and not part of unincorporated Sedgwick County. And they are allowed in Goddard,I checked out the website. I wish there was a central list posted where they are legal/illegal, because I do think there is confusion about this, especially when I thought I heard people in Bel Aire saying they purchased permits in the past. Can anyone elaborate?
    • Posted By: Debby: If they are illegal why are they sold in the city where they are illegal?
    • Posted By: : Isn't it funny how it's called Independance Day but yet big brother wants to tell us we can't shoot fireworks? Screw you big brother!! I'm firing mine off!!
    • Posted By: Elmer: I saw on the news that you are asking the neighbors to report the people who are using fireworks to the police. Hitler did the same thing when enforcing his laws. Are we coming closer to socialist government, or are you just trying to create a community that is untenable due to loss of trust in neighbors? I can't believe we are repeating history again.
    • Posted By: bob: i think the county is forgetting what we are celebrating, our independence. so they should let us shoot them where you buy them.
    • Posted By: Justin: Land of the Free, My hind end. Restrictions yes, understandable. But, all out ban? This is not the America I fought for!!!!! Maybe before long we won't have any independence to celebrate!!! And I'm sure the fire fighters are just having to do what there told. Heck, most of them love fire or they wouldn't be doing there job.
    • Posted By: : "fire dept only enforces the law" im sure they had a say in how it was created. thats like saying police dont have a quota when writing tickets when im sure they do. how else are police measured when trying for promotions and raises--its by how many tickets they write, how many crimes they solve, ect. people are gonna shoot off fireworks and worry bout what happens later because this is the one time in the year that we get to do so! plus it helps celebrate america's birthday !!
    • Posted By: Mikea: I sure wish there was something we could do about the rednecks who insist on setting off the big heavy skybursts in our neighborhood at 1am every night. Fireworks should be illegal inside the city. Loud car radios are, and fireworks are more dangerous.
    • Posted By: Bob: Ok maybe this is a stupid question, but what is unincorporated Sedgwick County? What is meant by that?
    • Posted By: AJ Simkatu: Everyone knows that fireworks that go up in the sky are illegal, even in the city of Wichita. The problem is that nobody cares. Most people think the ban is a ridiculous overreaction to a small problem. People are sick of the nanny state telling us what we can and can't do with our own lives and property. What's next, ban skydiving, skiing, riding dirt bikes, mountain climbing? The government needs to mind its own business and stay out of ours.
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