3.5.4. An elevator trim system was fitted to assist the pilot and ease elevator control forces when operating in a range of speeds and loading conditions. Fletcher aeroplanes had either electrically or manually operated trim controls. The trim control for ZK-EUF was manual, with a rotating handle located on the left side of the cockpit, aft of the power-control lever (see Figure 6). The trim could therefore be moved with the pilot’s left hand while at the same time the right hand held the control column. The trim took about 25 turns of the handle for full travel.
The aircraft obviously pitched up on rotate, possibly even slightly before.
The investigator knows how to fly an aircraft, many here have worked alongside him. I am sure he would have a fair idea or perhaps a personal belief. He is much closer to the action than any of us.
I would have thought the pilot, yes I knew him also, would have been very busy with the felt hand. pitching up with low airspeed..... hmmm I think whacking full power on would be high on the list of priorities, or at least confirming full power if that is the Walter system.
25 is the maximum number of turns so I guess 15 would be a good guess from landing to fully nose done. Still a lot of cranking to do when the nose is already pointed well above the horizon.
Perhaps the pilot did manage to crank all the turns in but by then the aircraft was already doomed.
The C of G would have caused a crash sooner or later. It truly is the Swiss cheese sequence yet again.
I also can't believe the operator did not at least have a series of standard W&B sheets prepared and approved. ie, Standard loads with various trip fuels.
I operate both NZ and Australian engineering licences..... the NZ is very good for normal GA operations. A lot of reliance is put on the IA and unfortunately this one and the balloon tragedy are not helping the industry.
It would appear the IA in each incident may have a case to answer.
The operations should be a lot more professional than these appear to have been. I am sure we will be seeing some increased audit activity there also.
You have to feel for the families, this report must be difficult reading.