[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

July 29, 1999 - Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin (USA) – A Corsair at full power on takeoff roll struck a Grumman Bearcat standing on the runway and burst into flames. A second Corsair, on takeoff roll in formation with the first one, sustained substantial damage when the pilot saw a second Grumman Bearcat positioned on the runway in front of his plane, and elected to steer his airplane off of the runway to avoid the other airplane.
The pilot of the first Corsair was seriously injured. The pilot of the Grumman Bearcat reported no injuries. The pilot of the second Corsair received minor injuries.
JP

Yep, the hazards of flying a tail-dragger with a very long nose = no forward visibility on the ground. Not sure why the take-off area wasn't clear in that case, though, as I assume there must have been a tower controller on duty.

Anyway, I think those old warbirds should continue to fly, but only if meticulously maintained, flown by experienced pilots, and most important, without taking undue risks. I'll always remember the F-6F display at Duxford a few years ago where the pilot came out of a barrell roll at something like 10 to 20 feet altitude. I don't care how good the pilot thinks he (or she) is, this is completely irresponsible. When I see some of the stunts done with these vintage, invaluable airplanes sometimes, it really riles me to no end. We professional pilots know that you have to "check your ego at the door" sometimes. Some of these guys ought to heed that advice. Plus they might live longer...

FVD

[mustangdriver]

I have to agree with you guys on the fly no fly debate. There are just some things that should not be risked. That is why both musuems are important. Non-flying or static museum like the NMUSAF, NASM, Naval Aviation Museum, and Kalamazoo Air Zoo are needed. To place the most historical examples, rare, or only surviving type, or the actual combat veterans on static display for preservation for future generations to see. Flying museums like Planes of Fame, CAF, and others are also important to fly esmaple of aircraft that are numerous. With both types of museums we should be able to preserve aviation history.