Specifications

DCS
[P-51D Mustang]
142
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Whenever the generators are shut off, the radio must be used sparingly as it quickly drains the
battery.
If the ammeter shows that the battery is undercharging, check the generator disconnect switch to
make sure that it hasn’t been turned OFF accidentally. If the generator switch is still set to ON and
the battery is not charging properly, use your radio only when necessary. Make the best use of
whatever battery power remains.
Remember, if the electrical system fails completely, the ignition system continues to operate on the
magnetos. However, the oil and coolant scoops will be inoperative, since they are controlled
electrically.
Tire Failure
If a tire is low or blown out during a landing approach, perform a 3-point landing. Don’t use the
brakes until necessary, then use the opposite brake, but only slightly, and enough opposite rudder to
keep the aircraft straight.
Land on the left side of the runway if the right tire is flat and on the right side if the left tire is flat.
If a tire is completely lost, do not attempt to land on a rim. Perform a belly landing.
Ditching
Never attempt to ditch a P-51 except as a last resort. Fighter aircraft are not designed to float on
water, and the P-51 has an even greater tendency to dive because of the air scoop position under
the fuselage. It will go down in 1 ½ to 2 seconds.
It is possible to ditch the P-51 successfully and it has been done on several occasions. However, it is
a hazardous situation. If a problem arises over water and if reaching land is impossible, bailing out is
preferred to ditching. In most situations, it should be possible to pull up to at least 500 feet to make
a safe jump. In such a case, perform as steep of a climb as possible to exit the aircraft at the highest
possible altitude. When bailing out, it is recommended to use the right side of the aircraft due to the
slip stream helping to clear the tail section safely.
Radio Procedure
Refer to the section below on bailing over water for the correct radio procedure prior to ditching the
aircraft. Accomplish as much of the procedure as circumstances permit. Chances of a successful
rescue depend heavily on whether an Air/Sea Rescue Unit can get an accurate fix on the location of
the incident.
Approach and Touchdown
Make an approximation of wind velocity based on the appearance of the water. If the wind is judged
to be less than 35 mph, touch down parallel with the lines of wave crests and troughs. Ditch into the
wind only if its velocity is over 35 mph, or if the sea is flat.