P-47D Pilot Dies in Hudson River

[Aros]

This is such a shame. You can tell by looking at the retrieval photos that the pilot did everything by the book. The entire plane is nearly completely intact. The only visual damage I can see is one of the props bent. Unlike Pilot Scully that was successful in that same river years ago, this pilot - as good as he was - lost his life.

http://komonews.com/news/nation-worl...t-killed-pilot

[doctormike]

Very sad news. Doc

[Grossman56]

Wow, that's a shame. Look at the job he did though, not even a prop blade bent, what an amazing pilot. I wonder if he didn't crack his head on he gunsight, assuming there was one, I've read in several places where a landing like that throws the pilot's head on to it.
So sad, now we'll all have to hear the insufferable bull about how the airplane is too old to fly etc etc.

Grossman56

[Aros]

I read somewhere that they found him with the canopy half open with an arm or leg sticking out which tells the rescuers that he was alive after impact. Possibly drowned trying to get out. :(

[farmflyer]

My sympathy to his family and friends. And also to his flying family for their loss.

[wpmay]

TV coverage reports from diners at a shore side restaurant who witnessed the crash indicate that the pilot was struggling to get out of the open canopy as the plane rapidly sank. The assumption was that he was having difficulty releasing his flight harness adding even further to the tragedy.

Bill

[Grossman56]

Just too tragic, my thoughts too are with his family. We all think," What a wonderful job, to be able to fly these precious planes, but how sad that this too is part of the job.

Grossman56

[Ron1950]

very sad news....this guy had tons of hours flying warbirds too. I flew my p47 3 times yesterday thinking about that poor guy...