P-51 bellylanding

[wingnuts]

The aircraft was VH-BOB belonging to Bob Eastgate, Actually a Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation built CA18 Mustang 21.

I recently did the t-shirt design for the team

[drgondog]

Originally Posted by comiso90

should the power have been cut sooner? He had to clear the asphalt but shouldn't the prop be feathered when landing with no gear?

No feathering mechanism.. If you lose power on the final try to keep your airspeed 20+kts above stall, lower your flaps, keep lowering nose to keep the airspeed up.. Cut power to engine and turn fuel selector to 'off'.

Just keep the wings level and fly it in above stall... and do not get cute about a 'soft' landing.. same procedure on take off except immediately lower nose to keep airspeed up and go straight in if possible. Most guys get killed trying to turn energy into a turn and get back to runway.

More often than not if power is off you won't damage the engine (should not) but props are toast and you will be spending $$$ on radiator scoop, oil cooler and radiator.

PS forgot to mention important detail - crank canopy back and tighten up seat belt if you have time

[comiso90]

thx drgon

[drgondog]

comiso- remember to factor that I never had to belly one in but I was taught by one who did it 5 times during WWII..the three that made it back to Steeple Moreden were all repaired.

He played a lot of games with my head when I was in the back seat including 'lost power on takeoff', 'lost power on base to final approach', missed approach with flaps down, and my personal fav - lost power on a cross country run - and tell him where I planned to put it down.

[v2]

[Wildcat]

A sorry sight indeed..

[Heinz]

It is, still could be worse. BOB should be in the air again before too long.