15/07/2011

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.


08/07/2011

Legends Friday

Ed Shipley (one of The Horsemen) was kind enough to allow a close up look at "Fragile But Agile" to some ASB members during the final preps today (Friday).


"Fragile But Agile" close up

I was pleased to find out it was fitted with a gun camera (my current IWM project right now & "speciality"). The version fitted to "FBA" looks like a Fairchild Aviation 12 Volt Camera Type M4 or 24 Volt N4 rather than the Williamson Manufacturing Co.Ltd. G45 used by the RAF.






























One of "February" so she doesn't feel left out...

05/07/2011

BM597

01/07/2011

Fury in the sun...

Wheeled out for the waiting masses of snaparazzi...

Out of the box...
















After weeks stuck in dark containers they have finally been allowed out to spread their wings. Tonight these two "little friends" will spend the night together...