Spitfire on its nose in the US, interesting recovery technique

[NutLoose]

The nose over, suspect brake stuck on.

https://news.dpgazette.com/2023/07/a...t-no-injuries/

The erm..... recovery.. Still they got it off the runway and into a shed... let's hope it didn't cause much more damage.

https://www.spokesman.com/galleries/...er-park-crash/

[DaveReidUK]

It's the Historic Flight Foundation's FR.IXe (aka N633VS).

[treadigraph]

John Sessions (owner) said prop appears to be the only major casualty, recovery was apparently done very carefully; looks like there is something cushioning the airframe on the back of the truck.

[red9]

Presumably the pick up is front wheel drive !! seems to work well though...

[Downwind.Maddl-Land]

Originally Posted by treadigraph

John Sessions (owner) said prop appears to be the only major casualty, recovery was apparently done very carefully; looks like there is something cushioning the airframe on the back of the truck.

And, presumably, a shock-loaded Merlin to inspect in some detail?

[Grummaniser]

Originally Posted by red9

Presumably the pick up is front wheel drive !! seems to work well though...

It's got a diff on the back axle but I guess it's 4WD, not just front.

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by Downwind.Maddl-Land

And, presumably, a shock-loaded Merlin to inspect in some detail?

Yes, even it it turns out that nothing is bent, the inspection doesn't come cheap.

[treadigraph]

Indeed, not cheap for the inspection but I believe several Merlin/Griffon prop strikes at low RPM in recent years have destroyed the wooden blades but engines have been undamaged... Years ago the price of a single Spitfire blade was £25k I believe, hate to think what the cost is now!