B-17 shady lady with nose smashed in

[Nathan]

Does anyone know what happened to B-17 Shady Lady? A facebook photo shows the nose all smashed in.

[Warbird Kid]

Assuming something big became airborne during the storm and hit the nose. A shame really.

[menards]

The damage doesn't look all that bad..... fortunately there are individuals out there fabricating new-build air frames for hobby... shouldn't be that hard to get a new nose mocked up.

[Pogo]

A link to said photos would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike]

..... fortunately there are individuals out there fabricating new-build air frames for hobby... shouldn't be that hard to get a new nose mocked up.

It's an airworthy aircraft, intended for a very intensive ride program. You don't just get parts mocked up by hobbyists. Fortunately there are professionals who will take care of the necessary repairs.

[JFS61]

I think he was probably referring to guys like Ray Moore and Mike Kellner, and not part-time weekend homebuilt warriors. Regardless of who performs the work, as with everything that the Collings Foundation does, it will no doubt be work of the very highest order. Looking forward to seeing her on tour when her year-long overhaul has been completed.

As for what caused the damage, the rumor I heard was that it was tipped over on its nose by a gust of wind from the storm when it passed through (but then again, that's just a rumor, so take it for what it's worth).

[rcaf_100]

A link to said photos would be greatly appreciated.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... 7298777367

[Mick G]

Assuming something big became airborne during the storm and hit the nose. A shame really.

I think more likely it roll into something or something rolled into it ? Just a guess

[menards]

I think he was probably referring to guys like Ray Moore and Mike Kellner, and not part-time weekend homebuilt warriors. Regardless of who performs the work, as with everything that the Collings Foundation does, it will no doubt be work of the very highest order. Looking forward to seeing her on tour when her year-long overhaul has been completed.

As for what caused the damage, the rumor I heard was that it was tipped over on its nose by a gust of wind from the storm when it passed through (but then again, that's just a rumor, so take it for what it's worth).

Exactly. IIRC, Ray Moore is rebuilding the tail of the Liberty Belle, among many other parts for various B-17 projects. And IIRC, he works by himself, in his own shop, and has a passion for every part being constructed in the same fashion it was on the assembly line.

[marine air]

Ok, since no one is talking and we really don't know, I'm going to take a few guesses.

1) They slammed on the brakes to get it stopped on a short runway and it went over on the nose, miraculously not damaging any other part of the aircraft. (Like the Bearcat a couple years ago).

2) They forgot to lock the tailwheel on takeoff or landing and it went off in a ditch. (Like the C-47 at Oshkosh several years ago.)
3) The parking brake came unlocked , or forgot to lock and it rolled into a hangar. (Happened to Jack Spanich in his Skyraider at Nashville in the 1970's)
4) A fuel truck ran into it and crunched it. (like the Cavanaugh Bf-109/Buchon at Oshkosh back in the 90's
5) They taxied into a fuel truck. (like Ellsworth Getchell did in his Sea fury at Oshkosh back in the 80's)
6) It's not damaged at all, the shiny metal just looks distorted in the photo. Fish eye lens?
7) A tornado/Hurricane put it over on it's nose the the B-17 at the Bradley Air Museum in the 1970's.
Just a few things I've seen in my life that come to mind.

[phil65]

(8) Flak damage...

Phil

[Chuck Giese]

I said it on facebook, I'll say it here.

(9) Bird strike. BIG bird.

[JohnB]

They've had it for what, a month or two and they already break it?
Any word from the group of what happened?

[wendovertom]

I said it on facebook, I'll say it here.

(9) Bird strike. BIG bird.

Was that on the ground?!



Tom P.

[Cvairwerks]

I said it on facebook, I'll say it here.

(9) Bird strike. BIG bird.

Oh no, the Sesame Street kids are going to be really upset if Big Bird is hurt.....