But CAF Red Tail Squadron Vows It Will Fly Again

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, confirms that Wednesday morning, February 3, their P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen was involved in a gear-up landing at Dallas Executive Airport (DEA). The aircraft was landing back at DEA, the national headquarters of the CAF, for a special event in honor of Black History Month in the Dallas area.

Piloting the aircraft was CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader Bill Shepard. He sustained no injuries as a result of the gear-up landing. No injuries were reported on the ground. Dallas-area first responders were on the scene.

“Earlier today, the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s P-51C experienced a gear-up landing at Dallas Executive Airport,” said Stephan C. Brown, president and CEO of the CAF. “Pilot and Squadron Leader Bill Shepard was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but we will start the restoration process shortly. As with the Tuskegee Airmen she honors, this airplane will ‘Rise Above’ to ‘Triumph Over Adversity’ and fly again. We appreciate the many messages of concern received today.”

The squadron said special events for Black History Month will continue as scheduled.

(Image provided with CAF Red Tail Squadron news release)

FMI: www.redtail.org