I spent today at a small local air show here on Long Island. Only 5 warbirds showed. A P-51D, P-40E, P-40M, FG-1D and a TBM-3. There were several SNJs, Stearmans and assorted antique biplanes.
Rides were available in a Waco and there was a twin Beech offering rides as well. However, the Beech was nearly wrecked when a sudden 20 knot crosswind gust caught it just as she lifted off. The port wing angled up to about 45 degrees and the starboard wingtip made contact with the runway. The pilot corrected and stayed airborne, but only just barely. I was standing there chatting with the Corsair pilot when we both saw the near-accident. "Jesus!" yelled the pilot, "I thought for sure we were going to witness a crash."
I snapped a photo just as the wing began to lift.. It was about 1/4 mile distant, so the image is only so-so as I was at max zoom.
The Beech went around the pattern, and the pilot carefully landed the plane (I shot video of the landing). He taxied it to parking ramp, shut down and examined the scraped and dented wingtip... It didn't fly again.
I shot about 140 photos, and about 10 minutes of digital video.
Here's a few shots, reduced in density and size for here...
The wayward Beech:
P-40E fly by:
Three fighter fly by:
P-40E:
P-51D:
FG-1D Corsair:
My regards,
Widewing
