Thom Richards Griffon Powered P-51 Racer - "Precious Metal" was damaged after a fuel stop while in route to the 2015 Reno Air Races.
from Thom
Dear Race Fans,
It's with a heavy heart I am forced to announce the end of Precious Metal's air racing career. She sustained heavy damage in a ground fire at a fuel stop this afternoon.
The aircraft was running fine and I was taxying out of the chocks after fueling up, a gentleman came running and signaled me to shut down. I had no idea I was on fire until he alerted me as it was under the airplane. By the time I came to a stop the flames were reaching the cockpit on the left side and I abandoned ship. There was no time to attempt fighting the fire as we feared an imminent explosion with 190 gallons of fuel onboard.
The fire department showed up after about 12 minutes and took 20 minutes to put the flames out with foam. But the damage was done. The aircraft is intact, but sustained heavy damage.
Thank you for all the support over the years, you are the best fans.
Thom Richard
It's with a heavy heart I am forced to announce the end of Precious Metal's air racing career. She sustained heavy damage in a ground fire at a fuel stop this afternoon.
The aircraft was running fine and I was taxying out of the chocks after fueling up, a gentleman came running and signaled me to shut down. I had no idea I was on fire until he alerted me as it was under the airplane. By the time I came to a stop the flames were reaching the cockpit on the left side and I abandoned ship. There was no time to attempt fighting the fire as we feared an imminent explosion with 190 gallons of fuel onboard.
The fire department showed up after about 12 minutes and took 20 minutes to put the flames out with foam. But the damage was done. The aircraft is intact, but sustained heavy damage.
Thank you for all the support over the years, you are the best fans.
Thom Richard
Sad news indeed. I was planning on catching PM again this year as they pass through en route to Reno. Thom's plane did well in the races last year but was disqualified in the finals for being out of bounds and while some claim the DQ was unjustified, Thom took it in good spirits and focused his energies towards this years races.
Precious Metal and Owner/Pilot Thom at a stop near Dallas while en route to last years (2014) Races.
Image hosted by forum (746993) © Lupo-Lobo [SHARE LINK]
THIS IS A LOW QUALITY PREVIEW. Please log in to see the good quality stuff.
THIS IS A LOW QUALITY PREVIEW. Please log in to see the good quality stuff.
Here is a link to photos from the fire
.
