P-51 damaged in California?

Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:34 pm

Saw on the news this morning that a P-51 was damaged at Fox Field in Lancaster, California. Apparently a gear collapse (?????). Looked pretty sad being transported on a flatbed back to the hangar with the bent prop and scoop damage. The pilot was identified as "Smith." Didn't get the entire story as I was a bit groggy that early in the morning! Must have happened yesterday.

Mon Sep 13, 2004 4:59 pm

Hi Brandon. Saw a report of a Stewert-51 accident in CA earlier (today on FAA web site), wonder if that could be it? Jim

Mon Sep 13, 2004 7:37 pm

That would seem to fit, the Stewart S-51 accident was at Lancaster.

Mon Sep 13, 2004 7:56 pm

A gentleman by the name of Owen Smith owns an S-51D out in CA. Perhaps this is it...Sorry to hear about it.

Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:37 pm

That would be N51VS then.

Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:44 pm

I hope the pilot's OK!

Bent metal is always fixable...

:roll:

Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:48 pm

Ollie wrote:I hope the pilot's OK!

Maybe a little banged up, but I think he walked away from it OK.

Mon Sep 13, 2004 9:26 pm

From the incident report:

ACFT IMPACTED RWY ON LANDING ABOUT 700 FT FROM APPROACH END OF RWY AND SLID OFF RIGHT SIDE OF RWY AT GENERAL WM J FOX AIRFIELD. ACFT SUSTYAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND NO INJURIES ARE REPORTED. LANCASTER, CA