Author Topic: P-51D down (Read 986 times)

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **on:** July 27, 2005, 08:08:16 AM »

aero-news reports a P-51D went down yesterday at Oshkosh the pilot was killed. Further details may be found in updates later today at http://www.aero-news.net, they are waiting to make sure that positive ID has been made, and next of kin has been notified, before posting details.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2005, 11:31:40 AM »

It is now confirmed, the P-51D "Donna Mite" crashed yesterday at Oshkosh, killing its pilot/owner, Richard James.

hubsonfire · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2005, 12:08:29 PM »

Damn, that's doubly awful.

I haven't really paid attention to the news today. Any word yet as to the cause?

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2005, 12:18:00 PM »

No word at all. Very preliminary investigation only.

Of particular note though is the phrase "it appears no attempt was made to land the plane" by the NTSB investigator. That sounds like the pilot wasn't flying the plane when it hit the ground, for whatever reason, whether he was incapacitated, or the plane had a failure that prevented him from controlling it. But right now, there's no way to know what caused it.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2005, 12:27:42 PM »

Not wanting to seem callus or anything, but was the plane a total loss? I feel for the guy's family, I really do, but I also want to know about the "other" crash victim, the Pony.

The news link above goes nowhere for me.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2005, 12:38:02 PM »

Something screwed up the link. I left a space after the link, but it was removed.

http://www.aero-news.net

As to the plane, I think it is a little early to think about that.

Karnak · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2005, 12:48:24 PM »

I'm sorry to hear that.

Condolences to the pilot's family.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2005, 12:49:18 PM »

Thanks for the link. Didnt want to sound disrespectful of the pilot or his family, was just curious. Despite the crash, at least no one else was hurt, and he got to go out doing something he loved. How many people can you say that about?

Grimm · « **Reply #8 on:** August 01, 2005, 07:33:40 PM »

Such a loss

Most of the Guys I camped with are friends of Dick James. He lived pretty close to us and has been a regular at our local LaCrosse Show for years. It was a big downer that night.

From whatever gathered, It was most likely a Medical issue.

He was flying formation when his plane pulled up slightly and began a slow roll. it continued the roll until it was heading straight down. It was estimated he was about 300kts when he hit the ground. The plane left a large crater and there was must left but debrise.

Im sure the NTSB will release its finds down the road, but that what I know at this point.

My thoughts and prayers are with the James family.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2005, 10:04:13 PM »

Grimm, the NTSB released the preliminary today (go to http://www.ntsb.gov , click "aviation", and click "monthly", it's listed by date).

Here: NTSB preliminary

Sounds like he was ill, according to the witness and the guys he was flying with. He started lagging behind while they were practicing, got sluggish, and never caught up. Never finished the last turn and roll, and maybe actually powered in. Really sad.

g00b · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2005, 01:36:07 PM »

Just a wild bellybutton guess...

If he was really sick, maybe this was how he wanted to go?

What a way to finish it off!

g00b

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2005, 05:53:47 PM »

I seriously doubt it. People who own those planes LOVE them, and understand what they are and what they represent. To destroy one intentionally would be completely unthinkable. Warbird owners/pilots will fly one until it can't be flown to save it. Several have died trying to save one. To commit suicide and take a warbird with you is a absurd notion.