CAF's P-51C Gear Up Landing

[Vraciu]

Doesn't look too bad.  They'll restore it.   



http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/World-War-II-Era-P-51-Mustang-Makes-Belly-Landing-at-Dallas-Executive-Airport-367529111.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_DFWBrand

[DaveBB]

Does it usually tear the spinner and prop off when a P-51 belly lands? The props didn't look bent to me, so it appears the pilot had the foresight to shut off the engine before touching down.

[Vraciu]

Does it usually tear the spinner and prop off when a P-51 belly lands? The props didn't look bent to me, so it appears the pilot had the foresight to shut off the engine before touching down.

Not usually.  I guess it depends on how and where he ditched it...what he hit....etc.

[Puma44]

Does it usually tear the spinner and prop off when a P-51 belly lands? The props didn't look bent to me, so it appears the pilot had the foresight to shut off the engine before touching down.

It appears that two blade tips are deformed.  It's possible that the prop dug into the dirt, if that's where the first prop strike occurred, and that's what forced it off the prop shaft. 

It's possible the pilot simply forgot to lower the gear, didn't have the gear handle in the detent, or a mechanical failure occurred.  Typically the Mustang landing gear system is very reliable, if operated correctly.

[DaveBB]

I noticed the tail wheel was down.

[Vraciu]

I noticed the tail wheel was down.

They're saying it was a gear problem. I hope so and not some stupid mistake that could get any of us.

Guess we will see.

[Puma44]

Here's a picture that may indicate something.



There appear to be main gear tracks in the dirt with some drift to the left to where it rests.  Maybe a possibility that the mains collapsed for an unknown reason.

Two clubs in the field of aviation:  those who have and those who will.

[Vraciu]

Where are the gear though?  In the wells?

Not sure those are marks from the landing gear, though.   

[Puma44]

If the gear collapsed, they are most likely in the wells.  The tracks in the dirt appear to be the approximate width of the main gear. 

[Vraciu]

If the gear collapsed, they are most likely in the wells.  The tracks in the dirt appear to be the approximate width of the main gear.

Could be.  Could be.

Time will reveal all...

[Puma44]

Yep!  It'll make for an interesting story and learning point.

[Puma44]

An update posted on Facebook today:

Bill Shepard
Letter from the Red Tail Squadron Leader Bill Shepard

Greetings! As you may have already heard, our P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen suffered an un - fortunate incident on Wednesday, February 3 . Because of a gear up landing the aircraft is currently grounded. I was the pilot on that flight, and I take full responsibility for what was simply a case of pilot error. Rest assured that our Mustang did not have any sort of critical engine issue, and the damage it has sustained is completely repairable. I am extremely remorseful, and as the Squadron Leader I pledge that I will be at the forefront of ensuring the plane returns to service as quickly as possible.

An action plan has been created, which is already in motion, and there are no foresee - able roadblocks to a successful outcome. As of publication of this article, the aircraft is up on its wheels in the hangar being prepared for transport at the end of the week to Air Corps Aviation, the WWII aircraft specialists who led the two restorations of our P- 51C. Their team is standing by and will begin the repair process as soon as the aircraft arrives. We will keep you updated with progress reports in our newsletter, blog and on Facebook.

The CAF Red Tail Squadron logistics team is hard at work ensuring that we meet our obligations for the 2016 season of RISE ABOVE Red Tail. Other CAF units and Mustang operators have stepped up to make their aircraft available for our events if needed. Our team will meet and exceed expectations for our outreach events. We have a full schedule and have a plan in place to ensure that we continue to reach record num - bers of people of all ages with the inspirational history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

We will RISE ABOVE! Even with last week’s setback, we have had a successful several weeks in Dallas at the new CAF headquarters, reaching out to the Dallas community and making new friends. Original Tuskegee Airmen Charles McGee delighted students from all over the city as they came to our RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit to learn direct from the source! This special guest truly left a lasting impression. Read this month’s newsletter for more details and to get a glimpse at where else you can find us in the coming months.

Visit http://www.redtail.org/ to Support the CAF Red Tail Squadron

[Vraciu]

This is what I was afraid of. 

[DaveBB]

Why is the tail wheel down?  I also find it a bit strange he refers to himself as a "squadron leader".  He's flying a derated civilian P-51, not leading a flight of F-16s into Afghanistan.

[Vraciu]

Why is the tail wheel down?  I also find it a bit strange he refers to himself as a "squadron leader".  He's flying a derated civilian P-51, not leading a flight of F-16s into Afghanistan.

He is the leader of The Red Tail Squadron of the CAF.   It has dozens of members. 

It isn't derated, other than for fuel.   These are still pretty powerful airplanes. 

Maybe the impact knocked the tail wheel out or he had the gear down but not locked...   Who knows?