The redoubtable Bob Herndon, who at age 89 piloted his glider into the lily pads of Pelahatchie Bay

First, an important detail: Dr. Robert Herndon did not “crash” his glider into Pelahatchie Bay, as was reported in the local news.

In glider lingo, Herndon successfully completed a “water land-out,” which means putting an aircraft down in a body of water because it’s a safer option than attempting to reach an airstrip or, if one is not available, any sui…