Agreed.

Take care sir.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/494...b14f80e6a7.jpg

Here is the photo I referenced.

Note the missing left elevator trim tab.

Not the first time this has happened to a P 51.

it could also be all the way down, not to mention that the smoke pouring out of the radiator scoop area is dodgy to say the least.

Whichever the case, it's not the first time that these accidents happen in Reno, truth is that they're flying these machines close (and sometimes beyond) their edge. I remember years ago another P-51 which developed tail surface flutter and the plane smashed onto the ground..
let's not forget that this lot flies at 250mph 50ft from the ground..

I still think it's an unnecessary risk, especially with such machines.. but then again, this is my opinion..

although Galloping ghost is modified to the extent i doesn't have the P-51 rad scoop or outlet.........looks to me the smoke is coming out of 3 specially modified outlets on the port side...perhaps this is perfectly normal for this aircraft.

Water vapor from the spray bar for enhanced evaporative cooling I do believe.

Oh and 250mph isn't even getting them warmed up. These are unlimited class aircraft. Steve Hinton qualified at almost 500mph this year in Strega.

It does look like he's slumped over the stick in that shot. What a way to go :(

I have my thoughts on what caused this.

Some of my mates are very close to the historical aircraft community in the US. No one is pointing at pilot error or physical issues at this time.

Let's let the investigators have their say.

I also know of a couple of people from my online squadron who were close too and thankfully unscathed (we arent in the same online squad are we?)

Speculation is unavoidable sad to say, take a look at a site called PPrune (professional pilots rumour network)

It just concerns me when people start calling for immediate reviews of regulation (ultimately leading to a ban), everything gets banned and then theres nothing left in this world for all those old retired fuddy-duddys to do while they are supposed to be 'taking it easy'.

many people have been saying this about gun ownership.....

we can have our say too. long as its not insulting or disrespectful.
entitled to our speculation as to what caused the crash.

if the FAA added data record boxes in all aircraft this could reduce the
time and theories as to what happened.
and yes maximum age to fly these war birds fully fit state body and mind.

not a 74 year old pensioner that should have enjoyed watching from ground retired.

The interview he gave for TV the day before gave me the impression he was pretty chipper and spritely for a 'pensioner', you seem to be a little unfair.....without actually saying it you are inferring he was a disabled old fogey who could barely walk? when the truth is he could probably out fly most younger pilots, he passed the required medical standards, I will tell you this now, there is no means of guaranteeing you won't drop dead from a heart attack at any age even if you just walked out of the AME's surgery after your ecg test.