Arthur Rowe
If some people believe that this was the case are they trying to say that there was some fault with the engine control system, causing the aircraft to decelerate then accelerate uncontrollably, and that this was the cause of the accident? Perhaps distracting the crew at a critical time?
Not being a pilot I won't offer opinion, but simply quote the Release to Service which, at the time, warned of ;
Undemanded Flying Control Movement. Very sharp uncommanded inputs to the yaw axis which result in rapid change in aircraft heading in both hover and forward flight................... Aircraft to be landed as soon as practicable
There is no detailed audit trail accompanying this warning, nor should there be in the RTS, but the wording is remarkably similar to the events experienced shortly beforehand by Sqn Ldr Burke, later given in evidence. That is, at the end of a straight run he would experience an UFCM when attempting to execute a turn. I have always thought that a perfect description of what little we know of the final seconds. Notably, Sqn Ldr Burke was actively prevented from giving evidence at the time. Inconvenient to the RO's argument you see.