Since this is not clearly stated in any of the thread headers, I thought it would make sense to say it clearly.
On Sept 8, 2015, while enroute to the Reno Air Races and on the ground, Precious Metal caught fire in the engine area and suffered moderate-major fire damage which will put it out of racing for the 2015 Reno Air Races.
"Richard, of Kissimmee, Fla., had stopped to refuel the modified P-51 Mustang at Marianna Municipal Airport in Jackson County, Fla., when the fire occurred."
"Richard shut down the engine and got out safely. The airplane may be in good enough condition to return to the skies at some point. However, according to Richard the damage was too severe for a return racing."
2 threads have been started on it:
http://www.aafo.com/hangartalk/showt...-Richard-is-ok!!!!!!
Story and photos here:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Preci...71055266243368
Text from the Pilot:
Dear Race Fans,
It's with a heavy heart I am forced to announce the end of Precious Metal's air racing career. She sustained heavy damage in a ground fire at a fuel stop this afternoon.
The aircraft was running fine and I was taxying out of the chocks after fueling up, a gentleman came running and signaled me to shut down. I had no idea I was on fire until he alerted me as it was under the airplane. By the time I came to a stop the flames were reaching the cockpit on the left side and I abandoned ship. There was no time to attempt fighting the fire as we feared an imminent explosion with 190 gallons of fuel onboard.
The fire department showed up after about 12 minutes and took 20 minutes to put the flames out with foam. But the damage was done. The aircraft is intact, but sustained heavy damage.
Thank you for all the support over the years, you are the best fans.
Thom Richard
On Sept 8, 2015, while enroute to the Reno Air Races and on the ground, Precious Metal caught fire in the engine area and suffered moderate-major fire damage which will put it out of racing for the 2015 Reno Air Races.
"Richard, of Kissimmee, Fla., had stopped to refuel the modified P-51 Mustang at Marianna Municipal Airport in Jackson County, Fla., when the fire occurred."
"Richard shut down the engine and got out safely. The airplane may be in good enough condition to return to the skies at some point. However, according to Richard the damage was too severe for a return racing."
2 threads have been started on it:
http://www.aafo.com/hangartalk/showt...-Richard-is-ok!!!!!!
Story and photos here:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Preci...71055266243368
Text from the Pilot:
Dear Race Fans,
It's with a heavy heart I am forced to announce the end of Precious Metal's air racing career. She sustained heavy damage in a ground fire at a fuel stop this afternoon.
The aircraft was running fine and I was taxying out of the chocks after fueling up, a gentleman came running and signaled me to shut down. I had no idea I was on fire until he alerted me as it was under the airplane. By the time I came to a stop the flames were reaching the cockpit on the left side and I abandoned ship. There was no time to attempt fighting the fire as we feared an imminent explosion with 190 gallons of fuel onboard.
The fire department showed up after about 12 minutes and took 20 minutes to put the flames out with foam. But the damage was done. The aircraft is intact, but sustained heavy damage.
Thank you for all the support over the years, you are the best fans.
Thom Richard
Comment