Warbird Information Exchange

Two P-51 Mustangs Collide During Duxford BofB show this past weekend. (non-fatal, both aircraft landed safely)

http://aerodynamicmedia.com/two-p-51-mu ... nce-video/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... 29tkXQOAq8

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[Thread title is ridiculous btw]

Ooooeee, that was a close one. Note the damage to the port stabilizer:

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Respectfully,

Statistically, It's somewhat of just you. I mean in my research I could show that London Heathrow has never had any warbird bumps and therefore has a 100 percent safe record of warbird air displays. It is also true that a Spitfore has never been wrecked by a civilian pilot in Afghanistan. Not helpful. But true.

Duxford is a hotbed of activity when it comes to vintage aircraft, and the place is bringing back many airframes from the dustbins of history. However the brilliant air displays seen there require a huge amount of trust, coordination and professionalism on the part of all participants. These are fighter aircraft, and are displayed ina way to be both beautiful and exciting. The risks and threats to these aircraft, spectators and crews are managed conscientiously by all involved. I would say that with that, the operations of 75 year old designs and equipment is not "factor free" when viewed as potential threats. Things may occasionally happen.

However, "this Mustang incident" is viewed, its important that pilots have both learned and taught each other (and me) another lesson in warbird operation. The damage can be repaired, and both Mustangs, impeccably maintained, brought their pilots home. That's a great end and a fortunate outcome to any incident. There is good luck involved here, not bad. Champion that fact.

Title edited

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[Thread title is ridiculous btw]

Looks like the Mustang with the damaged tail landed with partial flaps. Could be the pilot was concerned that with tail damage full flaps may block enough air flow to the tail to result in a tail stall. If so that is one smart pilot. Never saw a Mustang land with partial flaps before.

Definitely not a warbird display but didn't Heathrow have a warbird accident with a Vulcan in 1956?

Take your point though.

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Little Johnny : "When I grow up I want to be a pilot!"

Johnny's Mother : "Don't be silly Dear - you can't do both!"

Technically, it was about a 3/4 mile short.

http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1956/dec/20/vulcan-aircraft-crash-report

Serving military aircraft, so not a warbird.
However, should we be worried that the pilots involved in these warbird (pilot error) incidents seem to be airline pilots more often than not.
(Lies, darn lies and statistics)