On Wednesday, Aug. 10, the Aviation Specialty Camp and the entire Culver Academies/Summer Camps community suffered a tragic loss when one of our airplanes plunged into Lake Maxinkuckee while on an instructional flight.
Aviation student Peter Mueller, 14, of Tampa, Fla., a second-year aviation camper, and the flight instructor, 21-year-old Brent Bauman of Niwot, Colo., lost their lives in the accident.
Immediately after the accident, the Academies’ Safety Committee, aided by a number of faculty and staff volunteers, responded by calling all of the parents of the approximately 345 campers to let them know that their children were safe and being supported. Director of Summer Camps Tony Mayfield and Chaplain Tom Steffen met with all campers and staff informing them of the accident, the tragic loss of life, and the support that would be provided to campers, cabin counselors, and staff.
Members of the Health Center’s Psychological Services team, Juli Steffen and Carol Whitescarver, immediately began actively talking with campers and staff.
Specialty Camp continues to move ahead in a positive manner with the campers engaged in as normal a routine as possible, but with special attention to the impact of this incident on each individual camper. Aviation campers were offered the opportunity to remain in Aviation Ground School or choose another specialty area. Specialty Camp ends Aug. 20.
All planes have been grounded for the remainder of Specialty Camp. Camp officials and school administrators are cooperating fully with the federal and local authorities as they continue their investigation of the accident. The accident is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, local officials, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
At a moving memorial service Friday night at the Culver Memorial Chapel, warm remembrances of Brent Bauman and Peter Mueller were shared by those who knew them as friends and fellow aviation enthusiasts. While the Culver community grieves, we are grateful for the gift of knowing Brent and Peter and impressed by their accomplishments. More than 300 Specialty Campers and members of the Culver community were present for the service.
For additional information contact Doug Haberland, director of publications, at (574) 842-8365.