Rodney Wayne
Sherry, an Oklahoma-based ag pilot was fatally injured in a collision with a
tower on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 near Enid, Okla. Sherry, 52, of Olton, Texas
was flying an Air Tractor 502 operated by Deterding Aerial of Pond Creek, Okla.
when he hit the 410 foot tower about 20-25 feet from the top. Reportedly he had
just finished a near-by application job and was heading for another field.
Sherry, 52, is
the second Oklahoma pilot killed within a month after colliding with a tower. Andy
Deterding, the brother of Jim Deterding, owner of Deterding Aerial, lost his
life after colliding with the guy wires on a 1,000 foot radio station tower
near El Reno on May 30, 2018. The accidents occurred about 60 miles from each
other.
Sherry was
preceded in death by his father, maternal and paternal grandparents. He is
survived by his mother, Alicegene Brooks, his fiancé, Nita Williamson, Nita’s
children, Hanna and Hunter Williamson, and numerous cousins and friends. Memorial
services were held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the First United Methodist
Church in Olton.
The family
suggests memorials be made in his name to the Olton Volunteer Ambulance
Association at PO Box 1087, Olton, Texas 79064.
This accident
reminds pilots to remaining vigilant outside the aircraft at all times. Although the exact reason for hitting the
tower may never be known, we remind pilots that even when the field is
finished, not to concentrate on planning and setting up for the next job at the
expense of safely flying the aircraft.
