Corsair clipping an aircraft at Oshkosk years ago

[gary1954]

I saw a video clip of a Corsair clipping another aircraft, and the Corsair subsequently cartwheeled in. anyone know all of the circumcision involved and zackly how many aircraft were involved, and the current status of each?

[CAPFlyer]

Yes, that was "Lad" Doctor running over Howard Pardue's Bearcat in Cavanaugh's Corsair at Oshkosh '99. I suspect you're well aware of both aircraft's status as of late.

Thread here -
http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... at+oshkosh

I still feel really sorry for "Lad". He's a good guy and it was sad to see such a horrible thing happen to him, but I never could understand why he and his wife fought so hard to get both Howard and the EAA to pay for his injuries when it was his mistake and his bills were being covered by his company's Worker's Comp. coverage.

[Obergrafeter]

Greed.

[jaybird]

Did more than clip it. It was a sickening feeling watching it happen.

[Warbird Kid]

[Canso42]

Yeah, Sickening is a good word for it. I've heard of the incident but never have seen any photos of it till now.

[A2C]

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10373&highlight=bearcat+oshkosh

I've read this already. I always thought that Pardue had his wing over the hold short lines. How else can a plane hit another when cleared for takeoff?

[Obergrafeter]

Simple number three takes off before number one...................it will get you every time.

[51fixer]

Lad's wingman managed to avoid hitting the others but took a wild off runway trip.
Rich

[Obergrafeter]

Yeah, how come number four didn't sue. Seems he would have a better case against number three anyway.

[A2C]

Simple number three takes off before number one...................it will get you every time.

Well, if you're cleared for takeoff, that means everybody else is responsible to be clear of the R/w.

So what you're saying here, is that the flight leader wasn't in the lead during a formation takeoff, or you had a confused wing man?

[CAPFlyer]

Confused wing man.

The important part of the NTSB report is pretty clear -

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot of the other airplane not following the instructions briefed by the formation leader, and the pilot's maneuvering his airplane to avoid the airplane in front of him.

The "pilot of the other airplane" is "Lad".

I would suggest reading the full narrative of the accident here for more clarification of the circumstances.

Just to note, I don't agree with the NTSB's use of the word "Cleared" in their report. The Air Boss doesn't "clear" anything. He "approves". As he is typically not a certified tower or radar controller, I think it's important to distinguish that his role is primarily to control the timing of the Air Show and separation of the acts, not to ensure that individual pilots are maintaining proper separation from each other. To do otherwise would place unnecessary responsibility on the Air Boss and is part of the problem that this accident highlighted.

[Matt Gunsch]

Simple number three takes off before number one...................it will get you every time.

Well, if you're cleared for takeoff, that means everybody else is responsible to be clear of the R/w.

So what you're saying here, is that the flight leader wasn't in the lead during a formation takeoff, or you had a confused wing man?

when you are taking off a large group of planes, everyone is on the runway at the same time. Each pair does not start thier take off roll until the proceeding pair have thier tailwheels off the ground.

Ladd did not have his plane turned so he could see Navy Lead ( Howard in the F8F ) He thought Howard had taken off all ready and without verifing the runway was clear, proceeded to takeoff. He found out how wrong he was when he got the tail up and saw a runway full of Bearcats in front of them.

Ladd screwed up, and then he tried to blame Howard and the EAA for his stupidity.

[A2C]

This was clearly a tragic event, but it appears to me a case of poor planning, judgement and communication. It looks like this group of pilots failed to coordinate as a team, and let a bit of bravado get in the way.

It also seems pretty strange for the flight leader to be so far ahead from the rest of the flight. It would make more sense for them to all be together in close proximity where they are each in contact at all time. So it looks like poor teamwork as well.--ie..Too many generals and no privates..

[Dan K]

This was clearly a tragic event, but it appears to me a case of poor planning, judgement and communication. It looks like this group of pilots failed to coordinate as a team, and let a bit of bravado get in the way.

Your opinion is poorly supported. This identical group of pilots flew an identical set-up successfully the previous day, as briefed. The planning, judgement, and communication were all adequate.

Matt's summation is supported: Mr. Doctor failed to view the Bearcats with tailgear off. He assumed and paid a dear price, as well as put three other pilots at risk.