Aircraft Damaged During Gear-Up Landing Will Fly Again, Squadron Leader Says

Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron leader Bill Shepard has released a letter on the CAF blog in which he takes responsibility for the February 3 accident that damaged the group's P-51C Mustang aircraft in a gear-up landing.

"I was the pilot on that flight, and I take full responsibility for what was simply a case of pilot error," Shepard (pictured)  wrote. "Rest assured that our Mustang did not have any sort of critical engine issue, and the damage it has sustained is completely repairable. I am extremely remorseful, and as the Squadron Leader I pledge that I will be at the forefront of ensuring the plane returns to service as quickly as possible.

"An action plan has been created, which is already in motion, and there are no foreseeable roadblocks to a successful outcome. As of publication of this article, the aircraft is up on its wheels in the hangar being prepared for transport at the end of the week to Air Corps Aviation, the WWII aircraft specialists who led the two restorations of our P- 51C. Their team is standing by and will begin the repair process as soon as the aircraft arrives. We will keep you updated with progress reports in our newsletter, blog and on Facebook.

"The CAF Red Tail Squadron logistics team is hard at work ensuring that we meet our obligations for the 2016 season of RISE ABOVE Red Tail. Other CAF units and Mustang operators have stepped up to make their aircraft available for our events if needed. Our team will meet and exceed expectations for our outreach events. We have a full schedule and have a plan in place to ensure that we continue to reach record numbers of people of all ages with the inspirational history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

"We will RISE ABOVE! Even with last week’s setback, we have had a successful several weeks in Dallas at the new CAF headquarters, reaching out to the Dallas community and making new friends. Original Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee delighted students from all over the city as they came to our RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit to learn direct from the source! This special guest truly left a lasting impression. Read this month’s newsletter for more details and to get a glimpse at where else you can find us in the coming months.

(Image provided by the CAF)

FMI: www.redtail.org