ian.whalley wrote:-
I am at present working with a retired Air Crash Investigator to establish the definitive cause of the crash. It has been suggested that the propeller of the Puss Moth was tampered with and that a blade of the propeller was ejected from the hub.The makers of the propeller are of the opinion that it would not be possible for a blade to be ejected from the hub.
The photographic evidence and all other available evidence suggests that a wing came off the aircraft as a result of flutter.
Interesting - I've never bought the prop blade explanation either. I also feel the wreckage in the crash site photos was far too mangled & "pancaked" to be the result of a forced landing attempt - especially from a pilot of Hinkler's experience.
However - if a the wing did seperate, Hinkler is unlikely to have survived the following uncontrolled spiral into the ground, so perhaps the distance between his body and the aircraft can be explained by him being "flung" or ejected on the way down.
I would also be very interested in seeing your completed report Ian :-)