P-51 Tailwheels

[RyanShort1]

I seem to recall that several outfits fixed their P-51s' tailwheels in the down position in the last 40s and 50s. I'm curious if some of our P-51 experts can fill us in on more details about why there were issues, and how they would affect the aircraft in service. Also, are there any period pictures that show aircraft that were having this trouble?

Ryan

[Tom N]

I read somewhere some of the mustangs used in Korea had their tw retract hydraulics disconnected thereby leaving the tail gear down to prevent problems with water freezing inside the rear fuselage at high altitudes......after takeoff and retracting the tail gear.....less issues with btw gear doors, tw steering etc.

[RyanShort1]

Well, I've heard a lot about it, but wonder if there are photographs of this problem in action...

Ryan

[Mike Halbrook]

My F-51D Flight Handbook, T.O. No. 1F-51D-1 from Jan 20, 1954 describes the F-51D as having a non-retractable tailwheel.

[Sully]

T.O. 1F-51D-45
19 Jan 1953

1. PURPOSE. Failure of the tail gear to extend to the "Down and Locked" position results in extensive damage to the aircraft during landing. All F-51D aircraft will be reworked in
accordance with the instructions contained in paragraph 2, to preclude further damage. Compliance with provisions in paragraph 2 will lock the tail wheel gear in the "down" position.

[RyanShort1]

T.O. 1F-51D-45
19 Jan 1953

1. PURPOSE. Failure of the tail gear to extend to the "Down and Locked" position results in extensive damage to the aircraft during landing. All F-51D aircraft will be reworked in
accordance with the instructions contained in paragraph 2, to preclude further damage. Compliance with provisions in paragraph 2 will lock the tail wheel gear in the "down" position.

So does anyone have a photo of a P-51 that landed with the tailwheel "up?"

Ryan

[sdennison]

Dad told me of an experience he had after the war when he was part of a group ferrying aircraft out Burma. He "blew" a tailwheel on take off and when he called in for landing and informed the tower he had a tailwheel issue, the replied, "no problem, we are just going to bulldoze them into a pile and burn them." Brandyass new P-51

[51fixer]

T.O. 1F-51D-45
19 Jan 1953

1. PURPOSE. Failure of the tail gear to extend to the "Down and Locked" position results in extensive damage to the aircraft during landing. All F-51D aircraft will be reworked in
accordance with the instructions contained in paragraph 2, to preclude further damage. Compliance with provisions in paragraph 2 will lock the tail wheel gear in the "down" position.

So does anyone have a photo of a P-51 that landed with the tailwheel "up?"

Ryan

Yes. Somewhere. Can't find them at the moment.
Evidence upstairs at the hangar though.