Warbird Information Exchange

Just want to let everyone know that the CAF P-39 had a landing incident upon arrival at the Tyler, TX, airport today. It was to appear at the HAAM's static display, then to fly in the air show at the Cedar Creek lake.

It was reported to me that the plane landed about 250 feet short of the runway and hit some of the approach lights. Damage is reported as being to the left wing leading edge, left main landing gear door, and the centerline drop tank. Upon first inspection by a member of the Cobra Den maintenance team, it appears the damage did not extend to the spar. Thanks to the fine folks at the HAAM for putting the plane inside for us! It seems the plane is repairable, it will just take time, money, and parts.

We will decide upon a course of action at the CenTex Wing staff meeting next Saturday. I will probably fly some of us up in the U-11 next Saturday, probably before the staff meeting, for a better look and assessment of the damage.

It doesn't seem the prop or engine was damaged. I understand that the P-39 was able to taxi in under it's own power.


Mike Renck
Operations Officer
Commemorative Air Force
Central Texas Wing

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Mike

I am really sorry to hear about your P-39 getting pranged. It's such a beautiful airplane and I hope it gets into the air soon.

Peace,

David

Sorry to hear that but......................
Nobody hurt and the a/c's repairable so it's a good day!

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Don't touch my junk!!

I've received a couple of PM's already, asking about why the plane landed short of the runway. I'm sorry, but the best answer I can give now is that it is under investigation by us to determine the cause, so I can't comment on that. Once the cause is determined, I will be happy to let you know.

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Mike

Glad to hear no one is injured, thanks for the info. I hope the airplane is back airworthy soon.
Regards
Robbie

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Fly Fast Make Noise!

That sounds pretty tough, but glad the airframe and PILOT are safe.

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

Glad to hear the pilot is OK, the airplane can be fixed-

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

Glad to hear that the incident was not more serious.

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Share your story: Rutgers Oral History Archive http://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/

Like everyone else said, it sucks that it happened, but the plane is fixable, and the pilot is OK. It is a beautiful aircraft. I am also sure the pilot feels as low as dirt. Whether it was his fault or not.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Sounds like a great save by the pilot, to keep her up right with the absolute minimum on the damage. The only important thing about this incident is the aviator is not hurt. The rest is just sheet metal work. One other note, Mike needs to learn to go through the Maint. Officer before running out and posting anything about the wings birds. Plus make sure the information your posting is the facts 100% and not the peace mealed things he has posted about this incident>>>>>>

Please point out what I reported that was not 100% fact. I disagree about needing to check with the maintenance officer before reporting an incident. An incident is in the operations area, not maintenance. Should investigation later show that it was a maintenance issue, that would be for the maintenance officer to pass along.

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Mike

It should be cleared with the maint officer, along with the other wing officers as a collective. With the wing leader being the one to authorize any release of information. You don't jump on the web with the first initial report and start broadcasting like some glory hound trying to get credit for being the first to get a story released. I just saying before you act stop and think.

The wing leader is aware of my post, and has no problem with it. It was an attempt to get some information out before rumors started as to how the plane was a total loss, the pilot was drunk, or some other junk that wasn't factual. This is still a free society with freedom of speech.

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Mike

To me at least, that looked like a pre-emptive strike rather than a glory hound... Word travels really fast these days via Twitter, etc... for instance on the recent T-6 crash in FL. Best to get something out from the organization than just have people wondering what you are trying to cover up - whether that is the case or not.
I'm actually surprised no photos have shown up yet.

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

Ryan, you are spot on. That was exactly my intent. It was an attempt at a pre-emptive strike for damage control. Nothing can kill a rumor quicker than facts. If facts are out, it's hard for a rumor to start. (I'm not sure how reporting this would make me a glory hound.)

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Mike