WWII Aviation Advocate Dan Fordice Dies in P-51 Mustang Crash

Dan Fordice, a prominent World War II aviation advocate and former Commemorative Air Force General Staff member, died May 12 when his North American P-51 Mustang crashed near Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport. The son of former Mississippi Gov. Kirk Fordice was piloting the restored warbird when the accident occurred shortly after takeoff.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Fordice was pronounced dead at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. The Commemorative Air Force confirmed the incident while urging the public not to speculate on the cause during the ongoing investigation.

Fordice was known as both a skilled pilot and dedicated advocate for veterans and military aviation history. He actively supported nonprofit organizations including the Warrior Bonfire Program and participated in numerous flight demonstrations and educational events. The warbird community is mourning the loss of what colleagues describe as a patriot who championed living history through historic aircraft operations.