DALLAS, TEXAS – The P51C Mustang of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, was involved in a gear-up landing, February 3, 2016, at Dallas Executive Airport (DEA). The aircraft was landing back at DEA, the national headquarters of the CAF, for a special event in honor of Black History Month in the Dallas area. Piloting the aircraft was CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader Bill Shepard, who was not injured.
Stephan C. Brown, president and CEO of the CAF, said that the restoration process will commence shortly.
This is the second mishap for the aircraft, which is based with the Southern Wing of the CAF at Fleming Field, South St. Paul, Minnesota. The aircraft experienced mechanical problems during a flyby at the “Wings of Freedom: Salute to Veterans” air show at Red Wing Airport in Red Wing, Minnesota, on May 29, 2004, which killed pilot, Don Hinz, who was the squadron’s leader at the time. The aircraft sustained major damage, but was meticulously restored to its original condition, thanks to donations (www.redtail.org).