Engine problems with P-51 "Mustang"
 

Hello,
I have an generally question: For what reason can stopp the propeller on the engine? No fuel, problem with the cooling system? Her the details:

Over my hometown crashed an P-51 "Mustang" in December 1944 (505th FS)
The Statement from mumber four position was "....and started descending in a pretty steep glide with low forward speed. I circled him and kempt him in sight all the way down. His propeller was completely stopped as thoug frozen. He bailed out at about 3,000 feet by rolling the plane over

Thanks a lot for infos!
hans

Re: Engine problems with P-51 "Mustang"
 

MACR 10818: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/91099359?objectPage=4

Perhaps our technical forumnites can help you further with the engine cut. http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.o...l-5april44.pdf

Regards,
Leendert

Re: Engine problems with P-51 "Mustang"
 

If the propeller was completely stopped while not feathered the engine must have suffered a major failure since it must have been seized. If it was feathered, there could have been numerous possible modes of failure. Running our of fuel is possible but not particularly plausible as the aircraft should have had taken-off with significantly reduced fuel load and no competent pilot would do that.

Edit: Apparently it did not have a fully-feathering prop, so that would indicate a total structural engine failure. Assuming the witness statement is 100 % accurate.

Re: Engine problems with P-51 "Mustang"
 

Like the majority of single engine aircraft, the P-51 did not have the ability to feather the prop.

A completely stopped prop would be caused by internal engine failure or seizure. Perhaps loss of oil, oil pressure, loss of coolant until overheat, mechanically breaking a rod or crankshaft, etc..

A completely stopped propeller would cause less drag than a windmilling propeller.

Re: Engine problems with P-51 "Mustang"
 

A non-feathered propeller keeps windmilling down to quite low airspeeds, so the drag issue is quite irrelevant.

Re: Engine problems with P-51 "Mustang"
 

You were referencing a feathered propeller. That isn't an option in the P-51.

While drag wasn't the cause of this accident, it does limit your options as to how far you can glide with an engine out. A windmilling propeller creates the most drag.