Lost P-47 in NY

[Bong40]

Jacky's Revenge went down in the Hudson River yesterday 

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/05/28/small-plane-crashes-in-hudson-river-pilot-still-missing.html

  P-47D N1345B

 Pilot was unfortunately killed 

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/p47registry/p47-4490447.html

[MADe]

This man went the way he wanted, with what he loved doing.
 

[Snork]

This man went the way he wanted, with what he loved doing.
 

After attempting to snag a ribbon stretched across a runway inverted, a mistake led to the biplane sliding hundreds of feet on it's top with sparks flying. As the pilot crawled out of the plane a news person stuck a camera in her face and asked what went through her mind as she skidded along upside down.
   Paraphrasing, since I can't find the clip now, she said, "I just imagined some fool saying, 'She died doing what she loved'. I hate when someone says that!"
   

[whiteman]

This man went the way he wanted, with what he loved doing.
 

Drowning in a plane? Doubt it

[caldera]

That's a damn shame. 

[Bong40]

Now Video has popped up of the crash

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=deb_1464404930

[Volron]

I'm wondering if the impact knocked him unconscious, or if he couldn't get his straps undone.

[colmbo]

I'm wondering if the impact knocked him unconscious, or if he couldn't get his straps undone.

Not uncommon for the pilot to hit his head against the gunsight or panel on ditching.  If he didn't get his harness locked, or if the inertia reel failed it is a good possibility.  Not much reason for getting the harness undone, most are a single release that is simple to operate.

[MADe]

Drowning in a plane? Doubt it

-1

respect

[Karnak]

RIP.

Sad to hear about this.  I wish the pilot had made it out.

[Vraciu]

According to warbirdalley.com the plane was recovered in good condition. 

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http://www.warbirdalley.com/news.htm#latest


27 May: A 1945 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, N1435B, c/n 44-90447, ("Jacky's Revenge"), operated by the American Airpower Museum, ditched into the Hudson River near Edgewater, New Jersey, USA after an apparent engine failure. Well-known warbird and airshow pilot Bill Gordon was lost in the accident, and a rescue swimmer was reportedly injured during the initial rescue attempt. Before the accident, the aircraft had been flying just north of New York City on a photo mission to promote an upcoming airshow. The aircraft was recovered from the water in excellent condition, testament to the pilot's skill in ditching it. [Our condolences to Bill's family, friends, and the museum communities he was involved with. --Ed.]


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It is listed in some places as a P-47N.   (It has the c/n of a D-40.  Just looked this up.  http://www.368thfightergroup.com/P-47-2.html )


Recovery photos:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3614274/Plane-fished-Hudson-River-day-crash-killed-William-Gordon.html

[DaveBB]

From Airliners.net

Landed near Jersey side of the Hudson, in view of Edgewater restaurants and such on the banks of the river.

Witnesses say pilot tried to get out and got the canopy partially open but the thing then sank.
Divers confirmed canopy was partially-open, reached in, and pulled the deceased pilot out by grabbing his foot.
Swimmer in water was/may-have-been good Samaritan trying to help; he's fine.

[Widewing]

From Airliners.net

P-47 ditching procedure places emphasis on jettisoning the canopy. Gordon failed to do so. Under sufficient deceleration, the weight of the canopy can cause it to slam shut.

[Vraciu]

I think failed is a bit harsh.   Guy didn't have much time. 

Witnesses say he was struggling to get out.  It sounds like his harness quick-release jammed up.   That's why I always carry a knife to cut my harness loose (when I am allowed to that is).

[Widewing]

I think failed is a bit harsh.   Guy didn't have much time. 

Witnesses say he was struggling to get out.  It sounds like his harness quick-release jammed up.   That's why I always carry a knife to cut my harness loose (when I am allowed to that is).

Procedures and checklists.... When in the Navy, we would hold ditching drills on a regular basis. There's no substitute for training until following procedure is automatic. It's unfortunate that some warbird pilots don't have the emergency procedures memorized. I've talked to several, who fly WWII aircraft, who stated privately that this is a common issue, especially among guest pilots.

We probably won't know exactly why Gordon did not get out. What we do know is that he did not jettison the canopy, and that may have been a significant contributor.

Other possibilities have been discussed. Had he not locked his harness, etc.....