August 18, 2010 — The former captain of the Spanish national aerobatic team who participated in the Red Bull Air Races world competition died Tuesday when his plane slammed into the ground as he was practicing aerobatics.
The Windsor Star reported that Alejandro "Alex" Maclean, 41, died as he was doing a training exercise at the airfield at Casarrubios del Monte, in the central province of Toledo near Madrid. Spanish aviation authorities are investigating the crash.
"The entire Red Bull Air Race community and the aerobatic fraternity have lost one of their most vibrant and passionate characters," reads a tribute on the Red Bull Air Races website. "Alex's significant contribution to the growth and development of the Red Bull Air Race over the past six years and to aviation in general will be remembered forever by those who shared this journey with him."
According to the Red Bull Air Races website, Maclean began his Red Bull Air Race career in 2003 and was a key figure in the championship’s evolution. A fiercely competitive streak led the Spaniard to accelerate the development of the MXS-R with fellow pilot Nigel Lamb and Alex kept his longstanding technician busy with an aggressive modification schedule.
Known at the Race Airport for his expressive Latino temperament, Alex was a deeply sensitive and emotionally charged character who fought against obvious frustration when results weren’t forthcoming. Despite this, he continued to push forward with his loyal team and finished the 2010 season on a philosophical note, taking personal responsibility for a disappointing result. He finished 11th out of the 15 pilots competing.
While he worked his race team hard and expected absolute commitment, Alex treated his technician Jesús Cañadilla, team coordinator Carola Bisci and coach Eneko Larumbe like family. He showed a deep respect for those who supported him and placed great value on building genuine friendships. Definitely not one to suffer fools gladly, the articulate and considered pilot often made journalists work hard for their quotes but his level of introspection and self-awareness added a fascinating dimension to any interview. His colorful character was a welcome contrast to many of the more reserved pilots.
Maclean was also recently named recipient of the prestigious 2010 Paul Tissandier Diploma for his contribution to sporting aviation.
He is survived by his wife, Emma, and their two children, ages 7 and 12.
|
|
Alejandro Maclean of Spain in action during Round 6 of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship on Aug. 8, 2010, in Lausitz, Germany.
(Martin Rose/Getty Images for Red Bull Air Race
Alejandro Maclean of Spain flies during Round 6, training day 1 of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship on Aug. 5, 2010, in Lausitz, Germany. (Hamish Blair/Getty Images for Red Bull Air Race)
Alejandro Maclean. Getty Images for Red Bull Air Race
|
Become a Volunteer | Volunteer Recognition | Program News | Resources | World's Largest Logbook
PRINTER
FRIENDLY
Privacy Policy 
