SS427
05-30-2004, 07:39 AM
As many of you WWII warbird buffs recall, I have discussed many times over the last couple of years the Minnesota Wing of the CAF's P-51C built up under the Tuskeegee airman paint scheme. I was fortunate enough to play a part in the 10 year restoration of this great airplane, only 1 of the 2 left flying in the world.
It is with great sadness that I need to let you know the plane crashed today. I attended an air show in Red Wing, MN today and I, for the second time since it's completion, witnessed the flight of this aircraft. During the show, the plane flew chase with a P-51D, the CAF's B-25 and a C-47.
Shortly after leaving the show, I received a phone call that the airplane made an emergency crash landing into a residential neighborhood. The pilot was credited as a hero for narrowly missing several homes. Unfortunately, I have not found out who the pilot was who is now listed in very serious condition with severe head trauma. I knew most all of the pilots personally and met them while working on the plane. One of them actually giving me a flight in his plane, a T-6, last year. From the photos I have seen, the airplane is a complete loss and I was amazed the pilot even lived. The news reports (at 5:30, the second time this occures in one day) state it may have been due to engine failure but based on the photos I have seen, the engine was turning when it hit the ground.
Please say a prayer for the pilot, his family and all the family members of the CAF as they need your prayers right now. Last year they lost two pilots when the only flying Heinkel bomber crashed due to an engine failure.
For anyone who wants to comment on the grounding of WWII aircraft because of these crashes (as I have already heard from some) save it. These airplanes were meant to fly and our youth needs to see them fly in order to appreciate them. I will fill in more details as they become available.
Rick Nelson
It is with great sadness that I need to let you know the plane crashed today. I attended an air show in Red Wing, MN today and I, for the second time since it's completion, witnessed the flight of this aircraft. During the show, the plane flew chase with a P-51D, the CAF's B-25 and a C-47.
Shortly after leaving the show, I received a phone call that the airplane made an emergency crash landing into a residential neighborhood. The pilot was credited as a hero for narrowly missing several homes. Unfortunately, I have not found out who the pilot was who is now listed in very serious condition with severe head trauma. I knew most all of the pilots personally and met them while working on the plane. One of them actually giving me a flight in his plane, a T-6, last year. From the photos I have seen, the airplane is a complete loss and I was amazed the pilot even lived. The news reports (at 5:30, the second time this occures in one day) state it may have been due to engine failure but based on the photos I have seen, the engine was turning when it hit the ground.
Please say a prayer for the pilot, his family and all the family members of the CAF as they need your prayers right now. Last year they lost two pilots when the only flying Heinkel bomber crashed due to an engine failure.
For anyone who wants to comment on the grounding of WWII aircraft because of these crashes (as I have already heard from some) save it. These airplanes were meant to fly and our youth needs to see them fly in order to appreciate them. I will fill in more details as they become available.
Rick Nelson