The Ford Barn

ford1 · 09-16-2011, 08:31 PM

a world war 2 P51 mustang crashed at the reno Nevada air races today around 4p,m pacific coast time , many hurt and killed, turn on your t/v and see the details

1931 flamingo · 09-16-2011, 11:07 PM

Not pretty......
Paul in CT

Patrick L. · 09-17-2011, 05:56 AM

It was Jimmy Leeward in the Galloping Ghost.. Apparently there was a mechanical issue.. 3 were killed and 53 injured.. What a shame..

Earle · 09-17-2011, 07:42 AM

Very sad and tragic. Jimmy was a skilled, legendary movie and race pilot. Mechanical failure was a very likely cause based on the erratic maneuvers just prior to the crash.

Coming straight in at 300 - 400 MPH won't leave the NTSB much to work with in the investigation. Here's hoping they can find a definitive cause - for the sake of future spectators and all those who race these "old" warbirds.

Of course some in the media are already using this tragedy to again attack racing, whether it's air, car, boat, etc., as "just too dangerous." But participants and spectators are aware of the risks and willing take them. There is more "risk" in driving a Model A down the highway at 50 MPH than there is in flying one of these very carefully-designed and maintained aircraft. Our cars should get the kind of detailed attention to maintenance and safety that these planes do!

Thoughts and prayers for the affected families and individuals.

Roadster62 · 09-17-2011, 07:46 AM

Thoughts and prayes going out to everyone.

Benson · 09-17-2011, 08:04 AM

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NBC news showed a very clear picture of the tail of the plane just before impact and one of the trim tabs is clearly missing from the tail elevator. Sad ... such a great plane and pilot!

This not a fuzzy freeze frame photo from a movie. There is no doubt about the missing part.

One longtime spectator said the pilot appeared to change direction to avoid the grandstands.

Bruce Adams · 09-17-2011, 10:34 AM

Such a shame.
May God Bless the friends and families of those who lost a loved one.
My friend who owned this P-51 fatally crashed his P-40 a couple of years ago while preparing for an air show.

redmodelt · 09-17-2011, 11:01 AM

The news was on BBC on PBS. Tragic loss of a man, the people on the ground and the plane.
Stay tuned, next weekend a 5 ton satellite is coming down someplace!

09-16-2011, 08:31 PM	#1
ford1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: oroville ca. Posts: 1,554	not model a, reno plane crash a world war 2 P51 mustang crashed at the reno Nevada air races today around 4p,m pacific coast time , many hurt and killed, turn on your t/v and see the details

09-16-2011, 11:07 PM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,392	Re: not model a, reno plane crash Not pretty...... Paul in CT

09-17-2011, 05:56 AM	#3
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: not model a, reno plane crash It was Jimmy Leeward in the Galloping Ghost.. Apparently there was a mechanical issue.. 3 were killed and 53 injured.. What a shame..

09-17-2011, 07:42 AM	#4
Earle Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 240	Re: not model a, reno plane crash Very sad and tragic. Jimmy was a skilled, legendary movie and race pilot. Mechanical failure was a very likely cause based on the erratic maneuvers just prior to the crash. Coming straight in at 300 - 400 MPH won't leave the NTSB much to work with in the investigation. Here's hoping they can find a definitive cause - for the sake of future spectators and all those who race these "old" warbirds. Of course some in the media are already using this tragedy to again attack racing, whether it's air, car, boat, etc., as "just too dangerous." But participants and spectators are aware of the risks and willing take them. There is more "risk" in driving a Model A down the highway at 50 MPH than there is in flying one of these very carefully-designed and maintained aircraft. Our cars should get the kind of detailed attention to maintenance and safety that these planes do! Thoughts and prayers for the affected families and individuals.

09-17-2011, 07:46 AM	#5
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	Re: not model a, reno plane crash Thoughts and prayes going out to everyone. __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

09-17-2011, 11:01 AM	#8
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,346	Re: not model a, reno plane crash The news was on BBC on PBS. Tragic loss of a man, the people on the ground and the plane. Stay tuned, next weekend a 5 ton satellite is coming down someplace!