I don’t know if I can agree with that; if the original Allison engined P-51 lacked anything, it obtained it via the Merlin.
Nevertheless, and that notwithstanding, I’m skeptical that this thread is the forum for our disagreement (nor debate in that regard). The only thing lacking would be an old fart that showed up and could qualitatively state that they flew against the P-51.
That’s not the point of this thread (nor any of my comments such as they might foment contention).
**I don’t know if I can agree with that; if the original Allison engined P-51 lacked anything, it obtained it via the Merlin.**
That is possibly the primary cause of the accident. #1’s bigger fan acting as a bigger brake (should both a/c reduced power at the same time). I think the speed difference (that wita mentioned) could be from the different fans.
The rt wing appeared to have possibly struck #1’s lt elev/stab, causing yaw to the right, then the prop striking the fuselage. The cw rotating prop’s brief dig into the lead a/c caused even more rt yaw pulling the lt wing (full flaps)up fully into clean air, the rt wing back into dirty air. I don’t think any pilot in that situation could have brought that rt wing back up in time to save it it, imho.
I also think that Mr. Beck made a valiant, last second effort just before the prop strike, simultaniously adding power and elevator, trying to get off his buddy’s back.
I’ve probably got the physics all wrong. It’s really beside the point; I’m just sad that someone perished.