I was watching CNN and they showed a clip of an ME-109 crash landing. Looks like it's right wheel gave way. But I cannot find a clip online. Anyone hear about this? I will post a link when I find it.
Restored Messerschmidt crash-lands at Berlin Air Show - Business Seems the plane isn't badly damaged or the pilot hurt, both of which are good.
I didn't find pictures either. This was possibly not filmed before it crashed landed. Their might be pics in the German press but the incident is minor. The damage is only about 10% according to what I read. it's more like a landing accident. From what I read I deduce that the damages are: the right wheel + undercarriage, possibly the prop ploughed a bit.
This aircraft is 'Black 2', actually a converted Hispano Buchon previously owned by the OFMC at Duxford. The pilot who successfully crash-landed the aircraft was Walter Eichhorn. This follows the accident to Bf109G-4 D-FWME in Germany during April ; this aircraft had only just taken to the skies again following a rebuild after crashing in 2005. The accident this time is believed to have been caused by a faulty undercarriage lock. The pilot who successfully crash-landed the aircraft was........Walter Eichhorn !
Thanks Martin. I remember seeing this previous April crash in the news. What a waste. It must cost fortunes. Good thing Mr Eichhorn is a skilled pilot.
Aha, found one. Raw Video: Crash Landing at German Air Show | U.S. News & World Report http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76XUrUPdbCc
I'm just wondering whether he was having problems while airborne or his landing gear collapsed unexpectedly. If so, it was a great save.
I never wonder that Za, keep 'em in the air I say! I suppose there's some case for genuinely unique/special aircraft in flyable condition to be kept grounded but even then I'm not so sure, I'd rather see the Vulcan Project's little piece of work roaring overhead than sat in Cosford anyday, even if it were the very last of the breed. Isn't it somehow in the spirit of these old things to keep them 'alive' to the maximum extent? There's certainly a strong cadre of intelligent and highly skilled pilots that seem to think it well worth the human risk too. :ac_p51b: = Cheers, Adam.
"Makes one wonder whether these relics should be exposed to flight risks..." Excellent point, Von Poop! Beyond that, I wonder if our view isn't skewed because we are only seeing the airplane crashes that make news. We are not seeing the Cessnas and Pipers that crash.
I love to see restored warbirds flying. It is an awesome sight. The downside is when the really rare ones crash and are totally destroyed. Like the He-111 of the Comemorative Air Force. It was the only flying example in the world. I know of a Bf-109G and a Fw-190D that are in flying condition,that the owners will never fly. The 109 is one of only 5 original G's left and the 190 is the only Dora in flying condition. As for the 109 that crashed, the pilot did a tremendous job in savingthe plane from worse damage. The 109 is a hard plane to land in the first place. I'm sure it will be up and flying again. PS- I am new to this forum and I look forward to reading the posts.
