My father (http://users.erols.com/viewptmd/Dad.html) flew the P-39. He
hated it. The most uncomfortable plane he ever sat in, except for his
Mooney M-18 which had the same problem - no headroom. Having the engine
behind with a shaft running between your legs meant you sat so high there
was no headroom (he was well over 6').

More on topic, he claimed that you had no chance in a forced landing. The
Allison would end up where you were sitting every time, so he said.
Fortunately, never had to test the theory.

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)


"BernadetteTS" wrote in message
...
I've been reading through the BD-5 thread and have a question.

I guess this is an opinion thread but what happens to a rear engine
mounted directly behind the pilot in a crash? In something like an
ultralight, BD-5, Cutiss pusher or Vari-EZ does an engine have a
tendency to rip loose and go through the pilot due to inertia in a
sudden stop? Or in many crashes is the direction of flight not straight
ahead, like if the aircraft was in a stall when it contacted the ground?
The force is down not forward through the cockpit.

Bernadette