Watch This P-51 Mustang WWII Fighter Take Flight at Airshow of the Cascades in Oregon

A Historic Engine Roars Again

At the 2024 Airshow of the Cascades in Madras, Oregon, a restored P‑51 Mustang took to the skies. This classic fighter once escorted bombers over Europe during the Second World War. Visitors watched an unmistakable shape sweep across the airfield, its polished wings catching the Oregon sun. The Mustang circled gently, showing off its sleek lines and powerful engine. Spectators held their breath as it dove and climbed, reminding them of a time when air power shaped the world.

Ground crews explained how the plane had been kept in flight-ready condition by the Erickson Aircraft Collection, based in nearby Madras. That collection is part of the region’s pride, offering living history through warbirds like the Mustang and its escort, the B‑17 Flying Fortress. Visitors could even book a ride in the P‑51, a rare chance to sit in a cockpit once used on real wartime missions.

Community Spirit Meets Aviation Legacy

This airshow isn’t just about planes—it’s a community event. With around 20,000 attendees expected in 2025, the show features music, a classic car display, and local food trucks. Young families gather early to watch the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team and aerobatic performers, but many stay through the day for the warbird flights. Veterans and children under five enjoy free entry.

At Shuttleworth’s Flying Heritage Museum, the P‑51 Mustang performance carries deep meaning. Each flight honors the pilots and engineers who once built and flew these machines. Seeing this Mustang in the air connects local history to global events, creating a shared moment of respect and wonder.

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