F-AZDP
When a Skyraider meets a P-51 Mustang, there will only be one winner...
Thankfully, Rob Davies, the pilot of the P-51 in question Big Beautiful Doll bailed out in time...
AAIB (condensed) report on the accident -
P-51D Mustang, D-FBBD and Douglas AD-4N Skyraider, F-AZDP
The pilot of a P-51 Mustang was leading a ‘Vic’ (Vee) formation of three aircraft participating in an airshow at Duxford. On his left was a Douglas Skyraider and on his right was another P-51 Mustang. On a signal from the leader, the formation carried out a ‘break’ manoeuvre to the left. During the left turn the Skyraider and the leading Mustang collided. The Mustang pilot was forced to abandon his aircraft and descended by parachute to a safe landing; the Skyraider pilot was able to land his aircraft at Duxford.
The accident occurred after the Skyraider pilot had lost sight of his leader and continued to make a tighter turn than his leader’s aircraft, which had slowed down. This caused their respective flight paths to converge, resulting in the collision.
The accident occurred after the Skyraider pilot had lost sight of his leader and continued to make a tighter turn than his leader’s aircraft, which had slowed down. This caused their respective flight paths to converge, resulting in the collision.
