AAIB investigation to North American P-51D, Mustang, G-SHWN and North American P-51D-20 (Modified), Mustang, G-BIXL
Mid-air collision, near Duxford Airfield, Cambridgeshire, 23 September 2017.
Summary:
Two P-51 Mustangs were taking part in a display sequence at the Battle of Britain Air Show at Duxford, Cambridgeshire. The accident occurred as they were joining formation with a Boeing B 17G in preparation for the next part of the display. The pilots had briefed and agreed that the lead P-51 would join on the B-17’s right side and the other on its left side. However, during the display both pilots tried to join on the B-17’s right, resulting in the two P-51s colliding. They landed without further incident.
A number of human factors were contributory to the accident. Most significantly, although the P-51 pilots had performed a ‘walk through’ of their display, they did not include the part involving the B-17. The CAA has added some additional guidance to Edition 15 of CAP 403, Flying Displays and Special Events: Safety and Administrative Requirements and Guidance, with regards to performing walk throughs of displays prior to flight.
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