James Robinson wrote:

The B-17 bomber owned by the Experimental Aircraft Assn. was damaged
yesterday at Van Nuys airport when its main gear collaped.

From the videos on TV, you could see its tail wheel firmly on the
ground, when the main gear retracted, and the aircraft dropped onto the
runway. The crew must had had that sinking feeling about then. It slid
perhaps 50 feet or so on its belly.

The media seems to like to say it made a belly landing, or a rough
landing, but it was apparent that it had already landed, and was simply
completing the rollout, and was preparing to turn off when it happened.

Sad to hear. I hope they get it flying again soon - but most of all I
hope the do plan to keep it flying (as opposed to removing it from flying
status, as happened to a notable B-17 around here). Yes, these planes are
valuable treasures, but some of them need to keep flying.

David Herman
Boeing Field (BFI), Seattle, WA
N6170T 1965 Cessna 150E
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