Loss of P51D

[Vraciu]

Actually, big beautiful doll's pilot broke hard, and then totally relaxed and did not continue even half his initial rate of turn while the A1 pilot flew a near perfect parabola.

Watch it again.

The A-1 driver has the responsibility to see and avoid.   You don't break blindly into the lead aircraft.   You take your spacing off him--VISUALLY.

If you lose sight of the leader you roll toward wings level and then break away through the vertical or pull power (and maybe unload) to see if you can regain visual.   You definitely don't turn across his path.

BBD's pilot was adjusting his pull for the aircraft he was trailing and a Bearcat to starboard and higher.    He did what the Skyraider driver should have done--ease his pull and/or turn rate 

They're even warning the A-1 over the radio of the traffic to his right. 

That was totally on the A-1 pilot.  Poor SA.  It was his responsibility to maintain visual separation.   He screwed up.

[Vraciu]

So much for the Ignored one getting the last word.

Do you have ANYTHING to contribute here or are just into third grade-level provocations?

"Take it easy, 'uh?" - Chappie Sinclair

 

[Vraciu]

The A-1 driver has the responsibility to see and avoid.   You don't break blindly into the lead aircraft.   You take your spacing off him--VISUALLY.

If you lose sight of the leader you roll toward wings level and then break away through the vertical or pull power (and maybe unload) to see if you can regain visual.   You definitely don't turn across his path.

BBD's pilot was adjusting his pull for the aircraft he was trailing and a Bearcat to starboard and higher.    He did what the Skyraider driver should have done--ease his pull and/or turn rate 

They're even warning the A-1 over the radio of the traffic to his right. 

That was totally on the A-1 pilot.  Poor SA.  It was his responsibility to maintain visual separation.   He screwed up.

I found some other angles.  BBD is taking spacing on airplanes in the break in front of him. 

Number three is following two, keeping visual the whole way.  He rolls right and pulls up to avoid one and two.   The radio warning must say "aircraft" not "Bearcat" and the plane in the footage just after the A-1 rolls right to wings vertical post-collision appears to be the number three aircraft, not a fourth (previously suggested to be an F8F).

Also found the AIB report.

"The collision occurred due to the Skyraider continuing the turn without the pilot having sight of the lead aircraft. His turn was tighter and his speed greater than that of his leader, causing the  flight  paths of the aircraft to converge."

https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/5422f3d3e5274a131400048f/P-51D_Mustang_D-FBBD_and__Douglas_AD-4N_Skyraider_F-AZDP_02-12.pdf

He also started his break sooner than the pre-flight briefing's three-second parameter.  Number three also began his break too early but because he kept visual on number two was able to avoid the mishap airplanes.

 

[Masherbrum]

 

[Vraciu]

 

 

[icepac]

I guess that makes sense as to why the skyraider pilot was in the wrong.

What doesn't make sense is having that type of pop top breaking which can lead to you losing sight of the planes around you.

[Vraciu]

I guess that makes sense as to why the skyraider pilot was in the wrong.

What doesn't make sense is having that type of pop top breaking which can lead to you losing sight of the planes around you.

The guy was ex-French Air Force.  I guess his idea of a break was more aggressive.   

I'm with you.  No idea what possessed him to lose sight. 

[BuckShot]

Looks like complacent pilots who have no business flying in formation... Sloppy.

I feel for those souls lost, their families, and those that had to witness it in person.

[WaffenVW]

The guy was ex-French Air Force.  I guess his idea of a break was more aggressive. 

Pretty much what the report says. Also quite the achievement to land that half-a-wing Skyraider.


"The Skyraider pilot had served initially as a fast jet pilot
and  instructor  in  the  French  Air  Force  and,  as  a  fast
jet pilot and instructor, he had taken part in and taught
break  manoeuvres  which  tended  to  be  more  dynamic
than  those  briefed  at  Duxford."

[icepac]

I meant that the "pop top break" that all the guys in that formation were participating is not very advisable.

Regardless of the one guy who screwed up (I consider it two), that break is not known as a very safe break.

[Vraciu]

I meant that the "pop top break" that all the guys in that formation were participating is not very advisable.

Regardless of the one guy who screwed up (I consider it two), that break is not known as a very safe break.

It's just a modified version of a typical WWII break but flown without a crossover.   

http://www.506thfightergroup.org/images/iwotojapan/landing064.jpg

The primary screwup was the number two.  Number three broke early but kept spacing. 

Clearly an avoidable mishap.  Glad nobody died but.............  Too bad it cost a priceless machine.   

[Vraciu]

Looks like complacent pilots who have no business flying in formation... Sloppy.

I feel for those souls lost, their families, and those that had to witness it in person.

No fatalities other than ego.

[BuckShot]

Oh thanks, thought that was the Sikorsky Pres.

[Vraciu]

Oh thanks, thought that was the Sikorsky Pres.

The second BBD crash killed two people.   The first BBD crash did not.  Sorry for the confusion.