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{{short description|Custom racing aircraft}}
{{short description|Custom racing aircraft}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Precious Metal'' (aircraft)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
⚫
| name=P-51XR ''Precious Metal''
{{Use American English|date=October 2022}}
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| image=File:25 P 51XR Mustang N6WJ Precious Metal Reno Air Race 2014 photo D Ramey Logan.jpg
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{{Infobox aircraft
⚫
| caption=''Precious Metal'' during the 2014 Reno Air Races
⚫
|name=P-51XR ''Precious Metal''
⚫
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
⚫
|image=File:25 P 51XR Mustang N6WJ Precious Metal Reno Air Race 2014 photo Don Ramey Logan.jpg
⚫
|type = [[Air racing|Racing aircraft]]
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|image_caption=''Precious Metal'' during the 2014 Reno Air Races
⚫
|national origin = [[United States]]
⚫
|aircraft_type = [[Air racing|Racing aircraft]]
|manufacturer = [[World Jet Inc.]]
⚫
|national_origin = [[United States]]
⚫
|design group = <!--Only design group(s) different from the manufacturer -->
|designer = [[Don Whittington]]
|manufacturer = [[World Jet Inc.]]
⚫
|design_group = <!--Only design group(s) different from the manufacturer -->
⚫
|builder =
|designer = [[Don Whittington]]
⚫
|first flight = August 10, 1988
⚫
|builder =
⚫
|introduction = September 12, 1988
⚫
|first_flight = August 10, 1988
⚫
|status = <!--In most cases, redundant; use sparingly-->
⚫
|introduction = September 12, 1988
|number built = 1
⚫
|status = <!--In most cases, redundant; use sparingly-->
⚫
|program cost = <!--Total program cost-->
|number_built = 1
⚫
|unit cost = <!--Incremental or flyaway cost for military or retail price for commercial aircraft-->
⚫
|program cost = <!--Total program cost-->
⚫
|developed from = [[North American P-51 Mustang]]
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|unit cost = <!--Incremental or flyaway cost for military or retail price for commercial aircraft-->
⚫
|variants with their own articles = <!--Variants OF this aircraft-->
⚫
|developed_from = [[North American P-51 Mustang]]
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|developed into = <!--For derivative aircraft based on this aircraft-->
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|variants = <!--Variants OF this aircraft-->
}}{{Infobox aircraft career
⚫
|developed_into = <!--For derivative aircraft based on this aircraft-->
|sole example of type?= Y
|sole example of type?= Y
|aircraft name = Precious Metal
|aircraft name = Precious Metal
⚫
|other_names = ''Race 9'' (1988–1995?)<br>''Race 38'' (1995?–present)
|image = ONLY AVAILABLE IF STANDING ALONE<!--in the ''Image:filename'' format with no image tags-->
⚫
|aircraft_type =
|caption = ONLY AVAILABLE IF STANDING ALONE<!--Image caption; if it isn't descriptive, please skip-->
⚫
|other names = ''Race 9'' (1988–1995?)<br>''Race 38'' (1995?–present)
⚫
|type =
|manufacturer =
|manufacturer =
|construction number = 44-88
|construction_number = 44-88
|construction date = <!-- either roll-out date or span of time for lengthy projects, whichever seems more appropriate -->
|construction_date = <!-- either roll-out date or span of time for lengthy projects, whichever seems more appropriate -->
|civil registration = N5483V (1988)<br>N6WJ (1989–present)
|civil_registration = N5483V (1988)<br>N6WJ (1989–present)
|military serial =
|military_serial =
|radio code = <!-- military radio codes where this is a commonly-used way of identifying this aircraft (eg. US, British, and German military aircraft of WWII -->
|radio_code = <!-- military radio codes where this is a commonly-used way of identifying this aircraft (eg. US, British, and German military aircraft of WWII -->
|first flight = <!-- date of first flight -->
|first_flight = <!-- date of first flight -->
|owners = [[Don Whittington]] (1988–2000)<br>Ron Buccarelli (2000–2011)<br>Thom Richard (2011–present)
|owners = [[Don Whittington]] (1988–2000)<br>Ron Buccarelli (2000–2011)<br>Thom Richard (2011–present)
|in service =
|in_service =
|flights = <!-- number of flights made by this aircraft, usually only relevant for an aircraft no longer flying -->
|flights = <!-- number of flights made by this aircraft, usually only relevant for an aircraft no longer flying -->
|total hours = <!-- total number of hours flown by this aircraft, usually only relevant for an aircraft no longer flying -->
|total_hours = <!-- total number of hours flown by this aircraft, usually only relevant for an aircraft no longer flying -->
|total distance = <!-- total distance flown by this aircraft, usually only relevant for an aircraft no longer flying -->
|total_distance = <!-- total distance flown by this aircraft, usually only relevant for an aircraft no longer flying -->
|fate = Damaged in ground fire, under repairs<!-- fate/disposition of this aircraft -->
|fate = Damaged in ground fire, under repairs<!-- fate/disposition of this aircraft -->
|preservation = <!-- where this aircraft is currently preserved (if it is) -->
|preservation = <!-- where this aircraft is currently preserved (if it is) -->
}}
}}
|}


'''''Precious Metal''''' is a custom-built [[Air racing|racing aircraft]] based on the [[North American P-51 Mustang]].
'''''Precious Metal''''' is a custom-built [[Air racing|racing aircraft]] based on the [[North American P-51 Mustang]].


== Design and development ==
== Design and development ==
''Precious Metal'' was built by World Jet Inc., a company owned by [[Don Whittington]], in 1988.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com|url=https://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/87-4488|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.mustangsmustangs.com}}</ref> Its fuselage, acquired from Tallmantz Aviation, was from a P-51D. The aircraft was fitted with stock P-51 wings, and its powerplant, a [[Rolls-Royce Griffon|Rolls-Royce Griffon 57A]] driving [[contra-rotating propellers]], came from an [[Avro Shackleton]]. In its original form, the ''Precious Metal'' was fitted with the P-51H tail from Whittington's original ''Precious Metal'' aircraft, and therefore also had the same registration.<ref name=":0" />
''Precious Metal'' was built by World Jet Inc., a company owned by [[Don Whittington]], in 1988.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com|url=https://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/87-4488|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.mustangsmustangs.com}}</ref> Its fuselage, acquired from Tallmantz Aviation, was from a P-51D. The aircraft was fitted with stock P-51 wings, and its powerplant, a [[Rolls-Royce Griffon|Rolls-Royce Griffon 57A]] driving [[contra-rotating propellers]], came from an [[Avro Shackleton]]. In its original form, the ''Precious Metal'' was fitted with the P-51H tail from Whittington's original ''Precious Metal'' aircraft, and therefore also had the same registration.<ref name=":1"/>


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Reno88-3 (4641115630).jpg|left|thumb|''Precious Metal'' during the 1988 Reno Air Races with its original P-51H tail.]]
[[File:Reno88-3 (4641115630).jpg|left|thumb|''Precious Metal'' during the 1988 Reno Air Races with its original P-51H tail.]]


''Precious Metal'' made its first flight on August 10, 1988, with the race number 9.<ref name=":0" /> It made its debut at the [[Reno Air Races]] on September 12 of that year. The plane shared its name, race number, and registration with Whittington's other P-51 race plane, leading many to believe that it was the same aircraft.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com|url=https://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/87-4488|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.mustangsmustangs.com}}</ref> During a qualifying run, the aircraft achieved a speed of {{convert|453|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, the highest recorded qualifying speed at the time. However, its success would be short lived, as during the race the aircraft suffered an engine failure and was forced to make a [[belly landing]].<ref name=":0" />
''Precious Metal'' made its first flight on August 10, 1988, with the race number 9.<ref name=":1"/> It made its debut at the [[Reno Air Races]] on September 12 of that year. The plane shared its name, race number, and registration with Whittington's other P-51 race plane, leading many to believe that it was the same aircraft.<ref name=":1"/> During a qualifying run, the aircraft achieved a speed of {{convert|453|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, the highest recorded qualifying speed at the time. However, its success would be short-lived, as during the race the aircraft suffered an engine failure and was forced to make a [[belly landing]].<ref name=":1"/>


Following the race, ''Precious Metal'' was taken to [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]], for repairs. The P-51H tail was removed and refitted to the original ''Precious Metal'', while the Griffon-powered ''Precious Metal'' was fitted with a standard P-51D tail. In April 1989, the aircraft was officially registered N6WJ, with its type designation being '''P-51XR'''.<ref name=":0" />
Following the race, ''Precious Metal'' was taken to [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]], for repairs. The P-51H tail was removed and refitted to the original ''Precious Metal'', while the Griffon-powered ''Precious Metal'' was fitted with a standard P-51D tail. In April 1989, the aircraft was officially registered N6WJ, with its type designation being '''P-51XR'''.<ref name=":1"/>


The aircraft was supposed to be flown by [[Bill Whittington]] in the 1993 Reno Air Races, but it never appeared at the race. It finally made an appearance in the 1995 Reno Air Races with the race number 38. For this race, the tall P-51H tail was once again fitted, but the aircraft did not carry the ''Precious Metal'' name, instead racing as the "''World Jet''" P-51.<ref name=":0" /> Don Whittington came first in the [[Reno Air Races#Classes|Unlimited]] Silver Class race, but forfeited his win to race in the Gold class, coming sixth.<ref name=":0" />
The aircraft was supposed to be flown by [[Bill Whittington]] in the 1993 Reno Air Races, but it never appeared at the race. It finally made an appearance in the 1995 Reno Air Races with the race number 38. For this race, the tall P-51H tail was once again fitted, but the aircraft did not carry the ''Precious Metal'' name, instead racing as the "''World Jet''" P-51.<ref name=":1"/> Don Whittington came first in the [[Reno Air Races#Classes|Unlimited]] Silver Class race but forfeited his win to race in the Gold class, coming sixth.<ref name=":1"/>


Don Whittington lost interest in air racing following the death of Gary Levitz in 1999 and put ''Precious Metal'' in storage.<ref name=":0" /> Levitz, a friend of Whittington, died during the Reno Air Races when his own Griffon-powered Mustang, ''Miss Ashley II'', broke up in flight.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tribune|first=Paul Duchene Special to the|title=HOW MODIFIED IS TOO MODIFIED?|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-12-19-9912190082-story.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=chicagotribune.com|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2000, ''Precious Metal'' was bought by Ron Buccarelli, who intended to return the aircraft to Reno in 2001. The 2001 Reno Air Races were canceled following the [[September 11 attacks]], but ''Precious Metal'' returned to Reno the following year.<ref name=":1" /> Buccarelli described flying ''Precious Metal'' as a "handful", in contrast ''[[Rare Bear]]'', which he had a chance to fly in 2006.<ref name=":0" />
Don Whittington lost interest in air racing following the death of [[Gary Levitz]] in 1999 and put ''Precious Metal'' in storage.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-09-09|title=Aviation Feature – World Jet Inc P-51XR N6WJ "Precious Metal"|url=https://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2013/09/09/world-jet-inc-p51xr-n6wj-precious-metal/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=GAR - We've got aviation covered|language=en-GB}}</ref> Levitz, a friend of Whittington, died during the Reno Air Races when his own Griffon-powered Mustang, ''[[Miss Ashley II]]'', broke up in flight.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tribune|first=Paul Duchene Special to the|title=HOW MODIFIED IS TOO MODIFIED?|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-12-19-9912190082-story.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=chicagotribune.com|date=December 19, 1999 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2000, ''Precious Metal'' was bought by Ron Buccarelli, who intended to return the aircraft to Reno in 2001. The 2001 Reno Air Races were canceled following the [[September 11 attacks]], but ''Precious Metal'' returned to Reno the following year.<ref name=":1" /> Buccarelli described flying ''Precious Metal'' as a "handful", in contrast ''[[Rare Bear]]'', which he had a chance to fly in 2006.<ref name=":1"/>


In 2011, ''Precious Metal'' was sold to Thom Richard, who made several modifications to the aircraft, including a [[Feathering (propeller)|feathering pump]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Richard was not able to race that year, as the Reno Air Races were canceled after the fatal [[2011 Reno Air Races crash|crash]] of [[The Galloping Ghost (aircraft)|''The Galloping Ghost'']]. In 2012, Richard flew ''Precious Metal'' in the Gold Class race, but he did not finish because one of the landing gear doors came off in flight.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Clarke|first=Chris|date=2015-09-09|title=This Crazy 3,200-Hp Racing P-51 Just Burned to a Crisp|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/a17269/precious-metal-p-51/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2011, ''Precious Metal'' was sold to Thom Richard, who made several modifications to the aircraft, including a [[Feathering (propeller)|feathering pump]].<ref name=":1"/> Richard was not able to race that year, as the Reno Air Races were canceled after the fatal [[2011 Reno Air Races crash|crash]] of [[The Galloping Ghost (aircraft)|''The Galloping Ghost'']]. In 2012, Richard flew ''Precious Metal'' in the Gold Class race, but he did not finish because one of the landing gear doors came off in flight.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Clarke|first=Chris|date=2015-09-09|title=This Crazy 3,200-Hp Racing P-51 Just Burned to a Crisp|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/a17269/precious-metal-p-51/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US}}</ref>


After many new modifications, ''Precious Metal'' returned to Reno in 2013. The modifications included a new streamlined canopy, many [[Carbon fiber reinforced polymer|carbon fiber]] parts to reduce weight, as well as many modifications to the engine to bring it up to 3,200 hp.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Thom Richard placed fifth in the Gold Class that year.
After many new modifications, ''Precious Metal'' returned to Reno in 2013. The modifications included a new streamlined canopy, many [[Carbon fiber reinforced polymer|carbon fiber]] parts to reduce weight, as well as many modifications to the engine to bring it up to 3,200&nbsp;hp.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=":2" /> Thom Richard placed fifth in the Gold Class that year.


''Precious Metal'' was heavily damaged by a fire days before the 2015 Reno Air Races. One of the ground crew noticed the fire while the aircraft was taxiing and signaled Richard to shut down the engine. Richard shut down the engine and escaped the aircraft, which burned for 12 minutes before firefighters arrived to the scene. It took 20 minutes to put out the fire, and by that time the airframe had sustained severe damage.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Precious Metal Taxi Fire {{!}} EAA|url=https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aviation-interests/eaa-warbirds-of-america/articles/2015-11-precious-metal-taxi-fire|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.eaa.org|language=en}}</ref> After the fire, Richard stated that ''Precious Metal'' would not race again.<ref name=":2" /> A lengthy restoration process of ''Precious Metal'' to airworthy condition began in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reno Racer Precious Metal to Be Rebuilt|url=http://www.flyingmag.com/reno-racer-precious-metal-to-be-rebuilt/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Flying|language=en}}</ref>
''Precious Metal'' was heavily damaged by a fire days before the 2015 Reno Air Races. One of the ground crew noticed the fire while the aircraft was taxiing and signaled Richard to shut down the engine. Richard shut down the engine and escaped the aircraft, which burned for 12 minutes before firefighters arrived to the scene. It took 20 minutes to put out the fire, and by that time the airframe had sustained severe damage.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Precious Metal Taxi Fire {{!}} EAA|url=https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aviation-interests/eaa-warbirds-of-america/articles/2015-11-precious-metal-taxi-fire|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.eaa.org|language=en}}</ref> After the fire, Richard stated that ''Precious Metal'' would not race again.<ref name=":2" /> A lengthy restoration process of ''Precious Metal'' to airworthy condition began in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reno Racer Precious Metal to Be Rebuilt|url=http://www.flyingmag.com/reno-racer-precious-metal-to-be-rebuilt/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Flying|date=March 29, 2016 |language=en}}</ref>


=== Racing history ===
=== Racing history ===


* 1988 Reno Air Races, crashed<ref name=":0" />
* 1988 Reno Air Races, crashed<ref name=":1"/>
* 1993 Reno Air Races, entered but did not show up<ref name=":0" />
* 1993 Reno Air Races, entered but did not show up<ref name=":1"/>
* 1995 Reno Air Races, 1st place Silver Class/6th place Gold Class<ref name=":0" />
* 1995 Reno Air Races, 1st place Silver Class/6th place Gold Class<ref name=":1"/>
* 2001 Reno Air Races, races canceled<ref name=":1" />
* 2001 Reno Air Races, races canceled<ref name=":1" />
* 2002 Reno Air Races, 4th place Silver Class<ref name=":1" />
* 2002 Reno Air Races, 4th place Silver Class<ref name=":1" />
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* 2007 Reno Air Races, Silver Class, disqualified<ref name=":1" />
* 2007 Reno Air Races, Silver Class, disqualified<ref name=":1" />
* 2011 Reno Air Races, races canceled<ref name=":1" />
* 2011 Reno Air Races, races canceled<ref name=":1" />
* 2012 Reno Air Races, Gold Class, [[Did Not Finish|DNF]]<ref name=":1" />
* 2012 Reno Air Races, Gold Class, [[Did not finish|DNF]]<ref name=":1" />
* 2013 Reno Air Races, 5th place Gold Class<ref name=":1" />
* 2013 Reno Air Races, 5th place Gold Class<ref name=":1" />
* 2014 Reno Air Races, Gold Class, disqualified<ref name=":1" />
* 2014 Reno Air Races, Gold Class, disqualified<ref name=":1" />
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=== ''Precious Metal'' (N5483V) ===
=== ''Precious Metal'' (N5483V) ===
[[File:P-51 Precious Metal 1977 (5599187363).jpg|thumb|''Precious Metal'' (N5483V) in 1977.]]
[[File:P-51 Precious Metal 1977 (5599187363).jpg|thumb|''Precious Metal'' (N5483V) in 1977.]]
Don Whittington's original ''Precious Metal'' was a [[North American P-51 Mustang variants#P-51D and P-51K|P-51D-25-NA]] registered N5483V, [[United States military aircraft serial numbers|s/n]] 44-73518. The aircraft was delivered to the [[United States Army Air Forces|USAAF]] and was shipped overseas in March 1945, only to be shipped back to the US in July of that year. it was used for various second line roles until 1958, when it was sold as [[Military surplus|surplus]] to an unknown buyer.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com|url=http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/44-73518|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.mustangsmustangs.com}}</ref> Edward G. Fisher Jr. bought the aircraft in 1963, and to Gary R. Levitz in 1974. Levitz modified the aircraft as a race plane and fitted it with a tall tail from a P-51H, naming it ''Precious Metal'', and sold it to Don Whittington in 1976. Whittington briefly flew the aircraft as ''Miss Florida II'' before renaming it back to ''Precious Metal''.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Warbird Registry - North American Aviation P-51 Mustang - A Warbirds Resource Group Site|url=http://warbirdregistry.org/p51registry/p51-4473518.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=warbirdregistry.org}}</ref>
Don Whittington's original ''Precious Metal'' was a [[North American P-51 Mustang variants#P-51D and P-51K|P-51D-25-NA]] registered N5483V, [[United States military aircraft serial numbers|s/n]] 44–73518. The aircraft was delivered to the [[United States Army Air Forces|USAAF]] and was shipped overseas in March 1945, only to be shipped back to the US in July of that year. It was used for various second line roles until 1958, when it was sold as [[Military surplus|surplus]] to an unknown buyer.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com|url=http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/44-73518|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.mustangsmustangs.com}}</ref> Edward G. Fisher Jr. bought the aircraft in 1963, and to Gary R. Levitz in 1974. Levitz modified the aircraft as a race plane and fitted it with a tall tail from a P-51H, naming it ''Precious Metal'', and sold it to Don Whittington in 1976. Whittington briefly flew the aircraft as ''Miss Florida II'' before renaming it back to ''Precious Metal''.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Warbird Registry - North American Aviation P-51 Mustang - A Warbirds Resource Group Site|url=http://warbirdregistry.org/p51registry/p51-4473518.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=warbirdregistry.org}}</ref>


The aircraft was placed in storage in 1984, and in 1988 its tail section was used to build the Griffon-powered ''Precious Metal''. It was taken out of storage and fitted with a stock tail following the crash of its Griffon-powered counterpart. In 1990, the aircraft ditched into the sea near [[Galveston, Texas]], due to fuel starvation and bad weather. The aircraft was subsequently salvaged and sold to Ron Buccarelli, and as of 2018 is under restoration.<ref name=":3" />
The aircraft was placed in storage in 1984, and in 1988 its tail section was used to build the Griffon-powered ''Precious Metal''. It was taken out of storage and fitted with a stock tail following the crash of its Griffon-powered counterpart. In 1990, the aircraft ditched into the sea near [[Galveston, Texas]], due to fuel starvation and bad weather. The aircraft was subsequently salvaged and sold to Ron Buccarelli, and as of 2018 is under restoration.<ref name=":3" />
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''Precious Metal II'' is a replica of a [[North American P-51 Mustang variants#P-51A/Mustang II (NA-99)|P-51A]] that was constructed by Gerald S. Beck in 2001. The aircraft first used the name ''Precious Metal II'' for the movie ''[[Thunder Over Reno]]'' in 2006. In 2007 it was revealed that Beck had gathered parts and planned to build more P-51 replicas.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com|url=https://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/43-BeckA|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.mustangsmustangs.com}}</ref> However, these plans were never realized as on July 27 of that year, ''Precious Metal II'' collided with P-51D ''Stang'' on landing after performing a simulated air race during [[EAA AirVenture Oshkosh]]. Beck was killed when ''Precious Metal II'' flipped over and impacted the ground inverted, while ''Stang'' pilot Casey Odegaard survived.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NTSB: Inadequate Visual Lookout To Blame For 2007 Oshkosh P-51 Collision {{!}} Aero-News Network|url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=94526421-8863-4426-83e6-1686d00151bb|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.aero-news.net}}</ref>
''Precious Metal II'' is a replica of a [[North American P-51 Mustang variants#P-51A/Mustang II (NA-99)|P-51A]] that was constructed by Gerald S. Beck in 2001. The aircraft first used the name ''Precious Metal II'' for the movie ''[[Thunder Over Reno]]'' in 2006. In 2007 it was revealed that Beck had gathered parts and planned to build more P-51 replicas.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com|url=https://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/43-BeckA|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.mustangsmustangs.com}}</ref> However, these plans were never realized as on July 27 of that year, ''Precious Metal II'' collided with P-51D ''Stang'' on landing after performing a simulated air race during [[EAA AirVenture Oshkosh]]. Beck was killed when ''Precious Metal II'' flipped over and impacted the ground inverted, while ''Stang'' pilot Casey Odegaard survived.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NTSB: Inadequate Visual Lookout To Blame For 2007 Oshkosh P-51 Collision {{!}} Aero-News Network|url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=94526421-8863-4426-83e6-1686d00151bb|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.aero-news.net}}</ref>


Ownership of the ''Precious Metal II'' wreck was subsequently transferred to his wife, Cynthia. In 2010, she began to restore the aircraft in her husband's memory.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Chorlton|first=Martyn|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jqiHCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT124&lpg=PT124&dq=Precious+Metal+II+P-51A&source=bl&ots=4_dGcyVumF&sig=ACfU3U27BDKnqadxoYHKC7dR8ObuHaW2Cw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjtocjd1LzqAhUDTd8KHdlaB6o4ChDoATAFegQIChAB#v=onepage&q=Precious%20Metal%20II%20P-51A&f=false|title=Allison-Engined P-51 Mustang|date=2012-09-20|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-78096-153-8|language=en}}</ref>
Ownership of the ''Precious Metal II'' wreck was subsequently transferred to Beck's wife, Cynthia. In 2010, she began to restore the aircraft in her husband's memory.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Chorlton|first=Martyn|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jqiHCwAAQBAJ&q=Precious+Metal+II+P-51A&pg=PT124|title=Allison-Engined P-51 Mustang|date=2012-09-20|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-78096-153-8|language=en}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 103: Line 101:
|similar aircraft=
|similar aircraft=
*''[[Dago Red]]''
*''[[Dago Red]]''
*''[[Red Baron (aircraft)|Red Baron]]''
*''[[Miss Ashley II]]''
*''[[Rare Bear]]''
*''[[Rare Bear]]''
*''[[Red Baron (aircraft)|Red Baron]]''
*''[[September Fury]]''
*''[[The Galloping Ghost (aircraft)|The Galloping Ghost]]''
*''[[Tsunami (aircraft)|Tsunami]]''
*''[[Voodoo (aircraft)|Voodoo]]''
*''[[Voodoo (aircraft)|Voodoo]]''
|see also=
|see also=
Line 111: Line 113:
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{North American P-51 Mustang family}}


[[Category:North American P-51 Mustang]]
[[Category:North American P-51 Mustang]]
[[Category:Racing aircraft]]
[[Category:Racing aircraft]]
[[Category:Individual aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1988]]
[[Category:Aircraft with contra-rotating propellers]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]

Revision as of 02:13, 7 September 2024

P-51XR Precious Metal
Precious Metal during the 2014 Reno Air Races
General information
Other name(s)Race 9 (1988–1995?)
Race 38 (1995?–present)
National originUnited States
Designer
OwnersDon Whittington (1988–2000)
Ron Buccarelli (2000–2011)
Thom Richard (2011–present)
Number built1
Construction number44-88
RegistrationN5483V (1988)
N6WJ (1989–present)
History
Introduction dateSeptember 12, 1988
Developed fromNorth American P-51 Mustang
FateDamaged in ground fire, under repairs

Precious Metal is a custom-built racing aircraft based on the North American P-51 Mustang.

Design and development

Precious Metal was built by World Jet Inc., a company owned by Don Whittington, in 1988.[1] Its fuselage, acquired from Tallmantz Aviation, was from a P-51D. The aircraft was fitted with stock P-51 wings, and its powerplant, a Rolls-Royce Griffon 57A driving contra-rotating propellers, came from an Avro Shackleton. In its original form, the Precious Metal was fitted with the P-51H tail from Whittington's original Precious Metal aircraft, and therefore also had the same registration.[1]

History

Precious Metal during the 1988 Reno Air Races with its original P-51H tail.

Precious Metal made its first flight on August 10, 1988, with the race number 9.[1] It made its debut at the Reno Air Races on September 12 of that year. The plane shared its name, race number, and registration with Whittington's other P-51 race plane, leading many to believe that it was the same aircraft.[1] During a qualifying run, the aircraft achieved a speed of 453 mph (729 km/h), the highest recorded qualifying speed at the time. However, its success would be short-lived, as during the race the aircraft suffered an engine failure and was forced to make a belly landing.[1]

Following the race, Precious Metal was taken to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for repairs. The P-51H tail was removed and refitted to the original Precious Metal, while the Griffon-powered Precious Metal was fitted with a standard P-51D tail. In April 1989, the aircraft was officially registered N6WJ, with its type designation being P-51XR.[1]

The aircraft was supposed to be flown by Bill Whittington in the 1993 Reno Air Races, but it never appeared at the race. It finally made an appearance in the 1995 Reno Air Races with the race number 38. For this race, the tall P-51H tail was once again fitted, but the aircraft did not carry the Precious Metal name, instead racing as the "World Jet" P-51.[1] Don Whittington came first in the Unlimited Silver Class race but forfeited his win to race in the Gold class, coming sixth.[1]

Don Whittington lost interest in air racing following the death of Gary Levitz in 1999 and put Precious Metal in storage.[2] Levitz, a friend of Whittington, died during the Reno Air Races when his own Griffon-powered Mustang, Miss Ashley II, broke up in flight.[3] In 2000, Precious Metal was bought by Ron Buccarelli, who intended to return the aircraft to Reno in 2001. The 2001 Reno Air Races were canceled following the September 11 attacks, but Precious Metal returned to Reno the following year.[1] Buccarelli described flying Precious Metal as a "handful", in contrast Rare Bear, which he had a chance to fly in 2006.[1]

In 2011, Precious Metal was sold to Thom Richard, who made several modifications to the aircraft, including a feathering pump.[1] Richard was not able to race that year, as the Reno Air Races were canceled after the fatal crash of The Galloping Ghost. In 2012, Richard flew Precious Metal in the Gold Class race, but he did not finish because one of the landing gear doors came off in flight.[1][4]

After many new modifications, Precious Metal returned to Reno in 2013. The modifications included a new streamlined canopy, many carbon fiber parts to reduce weight, as well as many modifications to the engine to bring it up to 3,200 hp.[1][4] Thom Richard placed fifth in the Gold Class that year.

Precious Metal was heavily damaged by a fire days before the 2015 Reno Air Races. One of the ground crew noticed the fire while the aircraft was taxiing and signaled Richard to shut down the engine. Richard shut down the engine and escaped the aircraft, which burned for 12 minutes before firefighters arrived to the scene. It took 20 minutes to put out the fire, and by that time the airframe had sustained severe damage.[4][5] After the fire, Richard stated that Precious Metal would not race again.[4] A lengthy restoration process of Precious Metal to airworthy condition began in 2016.[6]

Racing history

  • 1988 Reno Air Races, crashed[1]
  • 1993 Reno Air Races, entered but did not show up[1]
  • 1995 Reno Air Races, 1st place Silver Class/6th place Gold Class[1]
  • 2001 Reno Air Races, races canceled[1]
  • 2002 Reno Air Races, 4th place Silver Class[1]
  • 2003 Reno Air Races, 1st place Bronze Class[1]
  • 2004 Reno Air Races, 3rd place Silver Class[1]
  • 2006 Reno Air Races, 3rd place Silver Class[1]
  • 2007 Reno Air Races, Silver Class, disqualified[1]
  • 2011 Reno Air Races, races canceled[1]
  • 2012 Reno Air Races, Gold Class, DNF[1]
  • 2013 Reno Air Races, 5th place Gold Class[1]
  • 2014 Reno Air Races, Gold Class, disqualified[1]

Other Precious Metal aircraft

Two other P-51 Mustangs have carried the Precious Metal name.

Precious Metal (N5483V)

Precious Metal (N5483V) in 1977.

Don Whittington's original Precious Metal was a P-51D-25-NA registered N5483V, s/n 44–73518. The aircraft was delivered to the USAAF and was shipped overseas in March 1945, only to be shipped back to the US in July of that year. It was used for various second line roles until 1958, when it was sold as surplus to an unknown buyer.[7] Edward G. Fisher Jr. bought the aircraft in 1963, and to Gary R. Levitz in 1974. Levitz modified the aircraft as a race plane and fitted it with a tall tail from a P-51H, naming it Precious Metal, and sold it to Don Whittington in 1976. Whittington briefly flew the aircraft as Miss Florida II before renaming it back to Precious Metal.[7][8]

The aircraft was placed in storage in 1984, and in 1988 its tail section was used to build the Griffon-powered Precious Metal. It was taken out of storage and fitted with a stock tail following the crash of its Griffon-powered counterpart. In 1990, the aircraft ditched into the sea near Galveston, Texas, due to fuel starvation and bad weather. The aircraft was subsequently salvaged and sold to Ron Buccarelli, and as of 2018 is under restoration.[7]

Precious Metal II (N8082U)

Precious Metal II (background) colliding with Stang on July 27, 2007.

Precious Metal II is a replica of a P-51A that was constructed by Gerald S. Beck in 2001. The aircraft first used the name Precious Metal II for the movie Thunder Over Reno in 2006. In 2007 it was revealed that Beck had gathered parts and planned to build more P-51 replicas.[9] However, these plans were never realized as on July 27 of that year, Precious Metal II collided with P-51D Stang on landing after performing a simulated air race during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Beck was killed when Precious Metal II flipped over and impacted the ground inverted, while Stang pilot Casey Odegaard survived.[10]

Ownership of the Precious Metal II wreck was subsequently transferred to Beck's wife, Cynthia. In 2010, she began to restore the aircraft in her husband's memory.[9][11]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com". www.mustangsmustangs.com. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  2. ^ "Aviation Feature – World Jet Inc P-51XR N6WJ "Precious Metal"". GAR - We've got aviation covered. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  3. ^ Tribune, Paul Duchene Special to the (December 19, 1999). "HOW MODIFIED IS TOO MODIFIED?". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Clarke, Chris (September 9, 2015). "This Crazy 3,200-Hp Racing P-51 Just Burned to a Crisp". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  5. ^ "Precious Metal Taxi Fire | EAA". www.eaa.org. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  6. ^ "Reno Racer Precious Metal to Be Rebuilt". Flying. March 29, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  7. ^ a b c "P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com". www.mustangsmustangs.com. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  8. ^ "Warbird Registry - North American Aviation P-51 Mustang - A Warbirds Resource Group Site". warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  9. ^ a b "P-51 Mustang Survivors - MustangsMustangs.com". www.mustangsmustangs.com. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  10. ^ "NTSB: Inadequate Visual Lookout To Blame For 2007 Oshkosh P-51 Collision | Aero-News Network". www.aero-news.net. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  11. ^ Chorlton, Martyn (September 20, 2012). Allison-Engined P-51 Mustang. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78096-153-8.
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