Sherm Smoot was my flight instructor for a private pilot’s license in Pullman Moscow Regional Airport more years ago than I care to remember. He was a superb pilot and really fun to fly with. We were contemporaries in the Navy while I was flying A7s.
I’m not at all sure I agree with the comment about his being incapable due to his age. Did you know the man? Did you fly with him? Lately?
How about we just send condolences and prayers for his friends and family and refrain from Sunday morning quarterbacking a situation we know not of just yet.
Doug D