I knew Don "Goose" Erceg, and he loved telling that story.
He said there was a loud bang, and an almighty vibration. He dived for the throttle to close it but it, and pitch controls disappeared out through the panel!
He didnt have a bloody clue the engine and prop were gone because the top cowl was still in place. (see photo)
Pole hard forward with full flap seemed the right thing to do and he said it was on the ground before he had time to get REALLY frightened.
He was damn lucky, a Dutch fella had the same thing happen on a ferry flight and he never made it
It was a dud series of props, a retainer let go and a blade would fly off.
Don went on to do most of the flying in the Air Truck which he described as "So bloody awful only my 14000 hours topdressing experience kept me alive in it"
Wheres Fearless Feeney ? He be good for a 185 yarn or two.
Don Erceg somewhere in deepest darkest Te Kuiti
