Witnesses Said He Jumped From Burning Aircraft With No Parachute

The pilot of a homebuilt three-quarter replica of a P-51 Mustang was fatally injured on Saturday when he reportedly jumped from his burning airplane at an altitude of about 1,000 feet.

Alameda County (CA) Sheriff's office spokesman J.D. Nelson said that the pilot, who has been identified as 63-year-old Jerry Lamont Parker, took off from Livermore Airport just before 1700 local time Saturday.

The internet site SFGate reports that witnesses said they saw flames coming from the airplane, and then the pilot exit the aircraft. He was not wearing a parachute. He reportedly fell some 1,000 feet, and was fatally injured by the impact with the ground. ATC personnel in the tower said they saw the plane "in trouble," then saw flames.

The airplane was completely destroyed by impact with terrain and the fire, which started a small brush fire. The brush fire was "quickly extinguished," according to the website.

Parker was described as a "skilled pilot and meticulous mechanic" by Rich Perkins, the operator of Attitude Aviation. Parker had often worked on the company's airplanes, and Perkins said he had "total trust" in Parker as both a pilot and a mechanic.

FAA records indicate Parker was the registered owner of the Loehle Mustang 5151. The plane was certified airworthy on March 22, 2013. It was powered by a Rotax engine.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov