Glider makes a safe landing along Highway 35 between Italy and Milford

Image: At first glance, Milford’s Police Chief Carlos Phoenix appears to be executing an “air” traffic stop along Highway 35 south of Italy. Actually, Chief Phoenix is investigating the plight of glider 430 as it rests safely away from traffic after loosing air during a race.

At first glance, Milford’s Police Chief Carlos Phoenix appears to be executing an “air” traffic stop along Highway 35 south of Italy. Actually, Chief Phoenix is investigating the plight of glider 430 as it rests safely away from traffic after loosing air during a race. (Barry Byers)

Image: Chief Phoenix is joined by Italy Police Chief Diron Hill during the investigation.

Chief Phoenix is joined by Italy Police Chief Diron Hill during the investigation. (Submitted photo)

Image: Would like to be a fly on the wing during this line of questioning. The glider is one of twenty planes competing in the 2012 1-26 Championships and touched down after being airborn for 2.5 hours.

Would like to be a fly on the wing during this line of questioning. The glider is one of twenty planes competing in the 2012 1-26 Championships and touched down after being airborn for 2.5 hours. (Barry Byers)

Image: A view of the grounded glider from Chief Phoenix’s police cruiser.

A view of the grounded glider from Chief Phoenix’s police cruiser. (Barry Byers)

Image: Chief Phoenix questions 17-year old pilot Jacob Fairbairn regarding his unusual situation. To a member of the soaring community, however, unplanned glider landings are fairly common. It’s still up in the air who will win the trophy but young Fairbairn handles the situation like a champ.

Chief Phoenix questions 17-year old pilot Jacob Fairbairn regarding his unusual situation. To a member of the soaring community, however, unplanned glider landings are fairly common. It’s still up in the air who will win the trophy but young Fairbairn handles the situation like a champ. (Barry Byers)

Image: Alan Fairbairn, the father of the pilot, and Mike Weatherford arrive on scene to help dismantle and tow the glider back to the airport.

Alan Fairbairn, the father of the pilot, and Mike Weatherford arrive on scene to help dismantle and tow the glider back to the airport. (Barry Byers)

Image: Mike Weatherford and Jacob Fairbairn prepare the glider for dismantling.

Mike Weatherford and Jacob Fairbairn prepare the glider for dismantling. (Barry Byers)

Image: A curious Chief Phoenix looks on as Jacob, Alan and Mike systematically take the glider apart.

A curious Chief Phoenix looks on as Jacob, Alan and Mike systematically take the glider apart. (Barry Byers)

Image: Mike removes the seem tape before detaching one of the glider’s wings.

Mike removes the seem tape before detaching one of the glider’s wings. (Barry Byers)

Image: Mike gives one last twist to separate the wing with help from Alan and Jacob.

Mike gives one last twist to separate the wing with help from Alan and Jacob. (Barry Byers)

Image: The three flying enthusiasts set the wing on the ground.

The three flying enthusiasts set the wing on the ground. (Barry Byers)

Image: Chief Phoenix lends a hand to Jacob and Alan in order to remove the second wing from the 1-26 glider.

Chief Phoenix lends a hand to Jacob and Alan in order to remove the second wing from the 1-26 glider. (Barry Byers)

Image: The second wing is disconnected and laid on the ground, as well.

The second wing is disconnected and laid on the ground, as well. (Barry Byers)

Image: Loading the wingless glider onto the custom trailer for transport.

Loading the wingless glider onto the custom trailer for transport. (Barry Byers)

Image: One final push gets the glider up on the trailer.

One final push gets the glider up on the trailer. (Barry Byers)

Image: Bracing the glider for travel.

Bracing the glider for travel. (Barry Byers)

Image: Mike, Alan and Jacob secure the glider and the wings onto the trailer to make certain no parts fly off during the return trip to the airport.

Mike, Alan and Jacob secure the glider and the wings onto the trailer to make certain no parts fly off during the return trip to the airport. (Barry Byers)

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