The P-47 Thunderbolt “Jacky’s Revenge” that crashed into the Hudson River near the George Washington bridge on Friday has been removed from the water by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Photos from the site show that the aircraft appears amazingly intact, which is surprising given the fatal nature of the crash. It appears pilot Bill Gordon did an excellent job of ditching it, but sadly something still went wrong and he did not survive. His body was recovered by divers several hours after the crash. The aircraft has been taken to a nearby heliport so that the NTSB can study it during their investigation. Nothing has been announced on what will happen to it after that is complete.
The owner, the American Airpower Museum, has canceled its participation in the nearby Bethpage Airshow at Jones Beach State Park this weekend but said in a statement that the museum will remain open this Memorial Day weekend to ensure the mission of presenting history is continued. The airshow is also still being held, with a missing man formation flown in Bill’s honor.
Here is video of Jacky’s Revenge flying in happier times, at the Thunder Over Michigan airshow in 2014:
Please continue to keep Bill’s family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Dick
Maybe we’ll see her again.
Nick Buck
Condolences to family and friends
BD
The P-47 Thunderbolt is a remarkably sturdy, capable, and apparently crashworthy aircraft. I am sure it’s pilots, past and present, can attest to that. It is so sad that the pilot, Bill Gordon, lost his life in the accident. Bill’s courage and skill in landing his aircraft away from any populated areas in the New York City area and in the Hudson River, will not be forgotten. God Bless You sir, and may you find eternal peace in the great beyond. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and fellow pilots everywhere.