How many accidents has the North American P-51D had?

The NTSB has recorded 19 events involving the North American P-51D: 8 fatal, 1 serious, 2 minor injuries, and 8 incidents with no injuries.

Is the North American P-51D a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The North American P-51D has 19 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

North American P-51D Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 19 events recorded from 1982 to 2016.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (13 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Oct 02, 2016	East Anglia, UK	G-MSTG	Fatal (1)	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 29, 2008	Tulsa, OK	N551W	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.
Dec 07, 2005	Minden, NV	N251BP	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing.
Jul 09, 2005	Tarkio, MO	N10607	Serious (1)	substantial	A loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.
Jul 03, 2003	Jerome, ID	N2869D	Incident	substantial	The malfunction of the cooling system pressure relief valve and the pilot's failure to follow procedures. An engine over temperature, a coolant lea… The malfunction of the cooling system pressure relief valve and the pilot's failure to follow procedures. An engine over temperature, a coolant leak as a result of a relief valve failure, an obstructed windshield which was covered with coolant fluid, and an improper flare resulting in a hard landing were factors.
Feb 12, 1996	PALM CITY, FL	N551MR	Minor	destroyed	An improperly adjusted carburetor which resulted in fuel starvation.
Sep 12, 1994	RENO, NV	N51U	Fatal (1)	destroyed	the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an attempted forced landing. Factors in the accident were the failure of a propeller blade-fe… the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an attempted forced landing. Factors in the accident were the failure of a propeller blade-feathering oil seal which leaked oil on the windshield, obscuring the pilot's vision.
Apr 05, 1994	CHINO, CA	N1451D	Minor	destroyed	the pilot's decision to fly an unairworthy and uncertificated airplane, his failure to perform an adequate preflight, and the improper installation of… the pilot's decision to fly an unairworthy and uncertificated airplane, his failure to perform an adequate preflight, and the improper installation of the oil cooler lines.
Sep 29, 1990	CHATHAM, MA	N51U	Fatal (2)	destroyed	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCELERATED STALL AND LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL.
Jul 18, 1990	MAYER, MN	N512ED	Fatal (2)	destroyed	UNDETERMINED
Jun 23, 1990	ABILENE, TX	N12700	Fatal (1)	destroyed	FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING AFTER A LOW PASS, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. THE HIGH DENSITY ALTI… FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING AFTER A LOW PASS, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Dec 04, 1989	VAN NUYS, CA	N5415V	Incident	substantial	THE P-51 PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE STANDING C-172.
Apr 26, 1989	TRAVIS AFB, CA	N151D	Incident	substantial	THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR FAILING TO FULLY EXTEND FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS RESULTING IN ITS COLLAPSING DURING LANDING.
Nov 07, 1987	DETROIT, MI	N6341T	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jun 26, 1987	LUDINGTON, MI	N3278D	Fatal (2)	destroyed	Investigation pending
Sep 14, 1985	RENO, NV	N10607	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Nov 17, 1984	NEW HAVEN, MI	N51JL	Fatal (2)	destroyed	Investigation pending
Jul 15, 1984	CARBONDALE, CO	N5449V	Fatal (2)	destroyed	Investigation pending
Sep 18, 1982	RENO, NV	N151DM	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.

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North American P-51D Safety Record

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