Update: Warbird Pilot/Owner Killed In Montana P-40 Accident

Mark Phelps

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11:15 AM ET

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Image courtesy of the P-51 Mustang Facebook Group

Key Takeaways:

Paul Ehlen, a Minnesota businessman and warbird pilot/owner, was killed in the crash of his Curtiss P-40 in western Montana.
The crash occurred due to an apparent mechanical failure during takeoff from Ravalli County Airport, causing serious damage and fire to the aircraft.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, while Ehlen, who was returning to Minnesota, is being remembered fondly by friends.

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Warbird pilot/owner and Minnesota businessman Paul Ehlen was killed in the crash of a Curtiss P-40 in western Montana. News reports indicate the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure on takeoff from Ravalli County Airport, crash-landed and was seriously damaged. According to the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department, Ehlen died “due to the impact of the crash.”

News video shows the aircraft sitting atop a berm with the rudder detached. Fire had consumed the engine compartment and part of the cockpit area. According to the reports, Ehlen was returning to his home in Minnesota from a second home in Hamilton, Montana, when the crash occurred. The FAA and NTSB are investigating.

Ehlen was remembered fondly by friends in several Facebook posts.