P51 Prang

[Kevin Farnell]

Those who were at Duxford on Sunday, may have noticed the heavy landing of P51 Mustang 'Miss Helen'.

Here are a couple of close-ups, from my shots of a hopefully minor incedent (although, with a rather forlorn looking pilot).





Hopefully, She'll be back in the air in the not too distant future.

Regards

Kevin

[DaveB]

Ooo..

DIdn't see that as I was making my way toward my bike as the Balbo was breaking for landing. I take it this must have been then :o

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Tweek]

DIdn't see that as I was making my way toward my bike as the Balbo was breaking for landing. I take it this must have been then :o

Indeed it was. I didn't see the actual incident, but overheard someone say "he's bust it!" only to look round and see it sitting there with the propellor just coming to a stop and the wheel looking like that!

[Paul K]

The broken wheel is clear to see but looking at that drooping left flap, I wonder what more damage has been done to the wing. Thank God he made it to safety; you can't help pondering what would have happened if he'd been another 50 yards short of the threshold. Doesn't bear thinking about.

[Quixoticish]

From what I understand engine problems brought this about, a few people have snapped shots of what looks like a rather poorly coughing and sputtering engine on finals.

[Techy111]

I heard the spluttering as me and my daughter were walking away from the south side of the airfield........he did a really skillful job and should be proud of himself.....the landing was extremely hard which broke the coupling for the left flap and the left U/C as you can see....

Apparently he very nearly ended up in a field on the airfield side of the M11.....i have a link to an extremely well timed photo which can be seen here.....http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=82493

!3th post down.....

Hopefully she will be fixed again very soon..... ;-)

Tony

[Kevin Farnell]

I didn't see the incident occur, and only became aware of it as I was walking about after the show.
Was he actually short of the threshold? Many aircraft were using the grass runway, which is closer to the crowd line. I can't remember, or see from my photo if he is on the grass runway or just on the grass.
Is it possible that the damage to the undercarriage has broken hydraulic lines, resulting in the flap extending beyond its normal position?
As Paul says, the most important thing is that the pilot walked away.
Hopefully, the aircraft will soon be airworthy again.

Regards

Kevin

[Garry Russell]

Amazing the gear did not collaspe fully :o

Strong piece of kit and saved the day here

Garry