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...not to mention that the whole tail assembly was canted downwards from the radiator aft, forcing the horizontal stabs to act as fixed elevators, pitching the nose down. Thanks for the pics, Harlan. The top blowup saws it all. That's what you call tucking in 'til your wing is in his ear... I do believe you can hear the impact in the video clip.
Bob
I can see it now. Regardless, he lost control. Most people don't realize how fragile aircraft are and a small dent can have a huge effect. I can hardly believe some of the B-17's made it back with gaping wholes.
Most remarkable to me was he got out that quickly. Nothing is automatic in these old planes. He had to remove his seat belt, open the canopy, and then stand on the seat before bailing out. Amazing presence of mind.
I was at one show and a flight of four T-6's passed over in tight formation and one of the spectators near me was throwing a fit. He said that he flew bombers in WWII and they had to fly formations that close, but there was no reason to do it for a show. Makes you think.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...1/07/413-1.jpg
The funny part about aircraft is that some with horrible-looking wounds make it back and some with very light apparent damage go down. Of course, it could be because their skins are so light you can push a screwdriver through and whose skins form a structural stiffener for the whole assembly and the force of a contact can easily be transmitted to beneath-the-skin components, as you pointed out with the P-51's control cables. Have you seen THIS site, Harlan?
On a related subject, now that B-17 Chuckie has been purchased by a local museum and restoration depot, how hard do you suppose it is going to be for them to get their hands on a Sperry ball turret and nose turret? I think Chuckie is a G model that has had these two turrets removed. I wonder if they are just going to have to fabricate the turrets for themselves? They are certainly capable of it.
Bob
It's amazing what parts are laying around inside various 'T-hangars' and other places. They might be able to find them. If they have an example to copy, it's amazing what a fabricator can make from scratch. I think 'Chuckie' was a fire bomber when Doc bought her and they'd already removed the gun turrets to reduce drag. Those turrets created a LOT of drag and most were taken out of all ex-warbirds when they went into civil service.
The Collin's B-17 is completely restored better than any I've seen. All it takes is money!
Oh, my gosh. Scratch that, Harlan. They've had her for, what, five months and they've already got her a ball and nose turret and they are installed. PICS Unbe-stinkin'-lievable.!!!
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e_B17_14-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e_B17_26-1.jpg
Ball needs some refurb work but it's a real functionable example. I'm dying here.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e_B17_02-1.jpg
Bob
The guys down the road have acquired CAF's "Alte Tante Ju" as well.
Bob
Next time I come to the States I am going to have to find out where the CAF is hiding some of these beauties and come look. Thankfully someone is looking after and rebuilding these old girls.
That P51 will likely be back flying in a few years. At least the data plate will be! Wouldn't be the first time.
Here's some new video that clearly shows the impact .
Nose dive! Pilot lands World War One Fokker plane on its propellor when gust of wind scuppers display | Mail Online
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