Hi all
copied from the P-51 Board:
quote:
Posted: Sun May 30, 2004 7:44 pm Post subject:
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All,
I will give a brief update, I can’t spend a bunch of time here. It was a terrible loss. I was flying the B-25 landing and Don said he was losing the engine, Larry Lumpkin was on the ground in the Gunfighter and told Don to turn on the boost pump, I said get the prop back, Don said, that is all done. Larry said, Fly it to the ground Don, Fly it to the ground.”
That is exactly what he did.
The airplane landed in a wings level low speed low angle condition, as survivable as it could be. He hit one tree which took off one wing, and then another which spun him around and the airplane came to rest on it right side with both wings severed.
The Crash crews were there with in 4 minutes. Larry took off imeadiately to locate the wreckage incase the crash crews could not find it, and by the time he was overhead they were there.
Gerry Beck came down this morning and went with the FAA to the wreckage. Early indications are that the V drive which powers the cam failed. Both cams would quit turning and there was nothing that Don could have done but fly it to the ground. He did that.
Your thoughts and prayer for his family are appreciated. Don would never forgive us if we let this setback stop the Redtail project which he gave the last 10 years, and ultimately his life for. With a million bucks and 18 months we could be flying again. Don would want that. Wish us luck.
_________________
Tailwinds,
Doug Rozendaal
unquote
Cheers
Martin / Swiss Mustangs
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