James Randolph "Randy" Hargenrader, K4QO

On 23. Oct 2009 our fellow radio amateur and site operator Randy, also known as K4QO, has died in a tragic plane crash at the age of 55. Together with three other HAMs, they were heading for a ham radio competition in the Bahamas. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

Although Randy has not been with us for long, he was a great person. Friendly, patiently, clever... I unfortunately did not get the chance to get to know him very well but I'm sure it would have been great.

My condolences go out to Randy's family and friends.

-- Ivo Smits

The Charleston SC node

Randy's wife has offered to keep the node on-line, at least for some time. We are very thankful for her decision in these difficult times.

More information on the crash

More information is available at the following websites: Journal Scene, Live 5 News, The Wireless Institute of Australia and The Associated Press. QRZ also has a forum thread dedicated to the crash.

Condolences

Registered members of GlobalTuners can leave a message in our form: click here to go to the forum. QRZ members can leave a message for the families on the QRZ forum as well.

Message from vitesse at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 03:14:23 GMT

It's sad but Randy Hargenrader, operator of Charleston SC Nodes have die this morning at 06h30 (GMT -4). He was going to a ham radio competition in the Bahamas with 3 of is friends. Is plain, a twin-engine, six-seat Piper Aztec — burst into flames after it crashed into a densely-wooded area shortly after taking off from Runway 24, Dorchester County

I wish on behalf of GlobalTuners Community sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Here a website with news of the crash: http://www.journalscene.com/news/Plane-crashes-at-Summerville-Airport#

Last edited by vitesse at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 03:24:35 UTC

Message from gypsy at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 03:29:18 GMT

My condolences to Randy Hargenrader's family and friends.
What a terrible loss to us all.

Message from SDSpike at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 04:23:13 GMT

Here's another link to a news site that has a video of a news conference about the plane Randy was in.
http://www.live5news.com/global/story.asp?s=11351036

Message from Calico at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 08:50:50 GMT

So long, James! A privillege to have had you in our ranks, a tragedy to have lost you so early...We shall remember you with pride, paid my tributes by visiting your node this morning (GMT)
73 OM we shall bitterly miss you !

Message from ianmeyers at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 12:44:15 GMT

A terrible tragedy for the DX community. Condolences to their families and friends.

Last edited by ianmeyers at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 12:44:37 UTC

Message from RIK at Thursday, 22-Oct-09 22:01:18 GMT

Terrible news. I had quite a lengthy and nice chat with him only a few days ago. RIP :(

Message from Kai at Friday, 23-Oct-09 01:09:23 GMT

Absolutely tragic!
I read this news on Wireless Institute of Australia
(www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2009/20091021-2/index.php)
I think it's the same tragic accident?

RIP

Message from Calico at Friday, 23-Oct-09 09:19:01 GMT

Hi Kai, yes, it was the same incident. Pilot must have been the second guy from the right I think.
Tim

Message from nigel at Friday, 23-Oct-09 12:55:52 GMT

Very sad news, my thoughts are with his family at this time

Message from henk at Friday, 23-Oct-09 17:26:18 GMT

my codelences to Randy his familie and also to his 3 radiofriends famillies

Last edited by henk at Friday, 23-Oct-09 17:27:03 UTC

Message from JimGeorgia at Friday, 23-Oct-09 19:13:27 GMT

Wow what a shock. I had no access to a computer for the past 3 days. Randy was a great guy, we talked a few times and he was easy to get along with. My deepest condolences to Randy and his family and the lost souls on board his flight. JimGeorgia

Message from MIAMIATC at Saturday, 24-Oct-09 19:23:22 GMT

May Randy Rest in Peace. He was such a wonderful presence on this site in the short time he was a node operator. I will miss chatting with this person.

Message from NQ9A at Sunday, 25-Oct-09 18:21:20 GMT

So sorry to hear about Randy. My condoleneces to his family and friends.
Carolyn

Message from zbiblo at Tuesday, 27-Oct-09 08:51:39 GMT

Such sad news. My sincere condolences to Randy's family and friends and to those of his friends that perished with him.

Message from ve3tkb at Wednesday, 28-Oct-09 01:02:19 GMT

They will be sadly missed, many voices and fists.

I have them all in my logs of yesteryear.

Peace.

Message from KB8OCP at Thursday, 05-Nov-09 16:39:22 GMT

I heard of this tragedy while heading to the Dayton
airport to depart for Costa Rica CQWW TI5N.

ON behalf of the entire TI5N team,
our sincerest condolences to Randy's family
And friends.

The C6APR team was never far from our thoughts.

TI5/KB8OCP
Dave

Message from SDSpike at Thursday, 12-Nov-09 17:47:07 GMT

Here's a link to the NTSB's preliminary report on the crash. They do update them from time to time. It may be 6-8 months till they will know all they know as they tear the plane apart looking for clues on the guages etc.

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20091021X75308&key=1

Message from ki4llj at Friday, 13-Nov-09 06:22:15 GMT

My thanks to SDSpike for the link to the NTSB site. Randy was my Elmer, helped me repair my radios, and threw great parties at his home usually inviting a number of us Hams in the area.

Message from thedude at Thursday, 17-Dec-09 21:34:16 GMT

Very sad......

Its always hard hearing about ppl we love passing away :(