Plane in NV crash had 'radical' changes to compete

[nadinbrzezinski]

RENO, Nev. (AP) — The World War II-era plane that plummeted into an air-race crowd like a missile bore little resemblance to its original self. It was rebuilt for speed, if not for stability.

The 65-year-old "Galloping Ghost" underwent years of massive overhauls that took a full 10 feet off its wingspan. The ailerons — the back edges of the main wings used to control balance — were cut from about 60 inches to 32.

Pilot Jimmy Leeward had said the changes made the P-51 Mustang faster and more maneuverable, but in the months before Friday's crash even he wasn't certain exactly how it would perform.

"I know it'll do the speed," he said in a podcast uploaded to YouTube in June. "The systems aren't proven yet. We think they're going to be

http://www.cbs8.com/story/15491307/plane-in-nv-crash-had-radical-changes-to-compete

Ok I am confused, they said it was a non modified category... oh wait. chaos .. never mind

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. really sad story. Ok to risk their own lives but maybe should fly over crowds

[dkf]

2. Hmm that doesn't sound good. Very sad.

[NYC_SKP]

3. That aircraft was unsafe to fly over crowds, what a reckless thing to do.

What a Real P-51 looks like:





What the Galloping Ghost Heavily Modified aircraft looked like:



:patriot:

[Javaman]

4. Looks almost like a completely different plane. nt

[Fumesucker]

6. About as much resemblance as a NASCAR "stock car" does to an actual road vehicle..

Or an NHRA "Pro Stock" does either for that matter..

[bullwinkle428]

5. Shortening the wingspan by 10 feet? Nah, that won't affect the

maneuverability of the aircraft at all! :sarcasm: