In a heartwarming turn of events, Anis Pradhan, a Nepali-American flight instructor, is pushing forward with his dream despite facing a major setback. Pradhan’s 1940s-era plane, intended for an educational mission in Nepal, was stolen and later set on fire in California.
Pradhan, who invested a decade and $250,000 to rebuild the Piper PA-15 Vagabond, had stored the aircraft in Long Beach. It was slated for shipment to Nepal when it was taken by thieves and destroyed. Surveillance footage captured the unfortunate incident, leaving Pradhan devastated.
However, the aviation community and the public rallied behind him, contributing to an online fundraiser. Remarkably, Pradhan has surpassed his initial goal of $40,000, raising over $50,000 as of Tuesday. The overwhelming support has deeply touched him.
Expressing gratitude, Pradhan said, “I am very grateful and thankful to everyone who has helped me. This means a lot to me and the children of Nepal.”
Pradhan, who immigrated to the US as a teenager, envisions using the plane to inspire youth in Nepal, showcasing the possibilities of aviation. Undeterred by the setback, he aims to resume his project promptly and plans to fly the new plane to Nepal by year-end.
“I am not going to let this stop me. I have a vision and a passion, and I will make it happen,” Pradhan affirmed, determined to turn adversity into an uplifting success story.