The genius of Neil Williams
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The genius of Neil Williams
Was just perusing the AAIB accident reports when I came accross this report. I recognised the type was one flown by Neil Williams at the time so had a read.
Although he was perhaps a little remiss for practicing aerobatics without a parachute (though he probably thought that his practice height meant that one would be useless anyway), he more than made up for it with an awesome display of airmanship to save his neck.
Have a read at:
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources...1%20G-AWAR.pdf
Although he was perhaps a little remiss for practicing aerobatics without a parachute (though he probably thought that his practice height meant that one would be useless anyway), he more than made up for it with an awesome display of airmanship to save his neck.
Have a read at:
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources...1%20G-AWAR.pdf
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rugby
Posts: 883
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a result of his superb airmanship in getting the aircaft back on the ground in the condition that he did, Another 100 aircraft were found to have similar fatigue cracking and (presumably) were rectified. This single accident could have prevented many more.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Indeed.
For those who haven't yet read the report, he had a spar failure in one wing that left the aircraft in an uncontrollable bank. He inverted it and the wing moved back to its normal position allowing 'normal' inverted flight. He then flew an inverted circuit and approach, and then rolled upright at the last moment before landing.
Now thats airmanship.
Damn shame he was lost ferrying that Heinkel bomber.
For those who haven't yet read the report, he had a spar failure in one wing that left the aircraft in an uncontrollable bank. He inverted it and the wing moved back to its normal position allowing 'normal' inverted flight. He then flew an inverted circuit and approach, and then rolled upright at the last moment before landing.
Now thats airmanship.
Damn shame he was lost ferrying that Heinkel bomber.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Anglia
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The British Aerobatic Association National Aerobatic championship trophy is a silver Zlin in Knife edge with one wing touching the ground.
It represents Neils incident. When he rolled erect from inverted to land, he was so low that his wingtip made a groove in the ground and this is faithfully reflected in the trophy.
.JPG)
The man himself wrote this report
Zlin wing Structural Failure Report - Neil Williams
It represents Neils incident. When he rolled erect from inverted to land, he was so low that his wingtip made a groove in the ground and this is faithfully reflected in the trophy.
The man himself wrote this report
Zlin wing Structural Failure Report - Neil Williams
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CZ
Age: 49
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
negativ, all seats in all Zlins X26 are ready to have one. either you put a cushion there or parachute - the old style one, the one you sit on....and BTW, I never saw number of 100 aircraft with similar cracks - this is rumour.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rugby
Posts: 883
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
bubo
I never saw number of 100 aircraft with similar cracks - this is rumour.
No THIS is wrong. I have re-read the report. is states "Out of approx 100 aircraft inspected TWO were found to similar cracks" Sorry to have sent up a red herring, I am now doing one hundred lines......
If so, can we believe any report from them?
With regard to Sir George's observation, there is an eye witness account of the incident here.
Airliners.net forum: Bob Hoover -- As Much Of A Badass As Yeager?
About halfway down the page.
Last edited by Dawdler; 25th May 2011 at 23:03. Reason: correcting a misapprehension.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a couple of his books on my shelf which I revisit from time to time and generalley enjoy. There are still a few in the BAeA and CAA who knew Neil.
Aviation is still active in his family, his brother Lynn designed the Flitzer Flitzer Sportflug Verein
Stik
Aviation is still active in his family, his brother Lynn designed the Flitzer Flitzer Sportflug Verein
Stik
Pity he was lost in such a senseless accident.
He was ferrying back several aircraft from Spain to Blackbushe. I visted Blackbushe one day and old Reg, the FISO, ruefully told me 'I can't give out a QFE now 'cos the governor (Doug Arnold) has pinched my altimeter for Neil to use on a ferry flight'.
This was only a few days before Neil flew into a mountain in Spain; I wonder to this day what altimeter he was using.
He was ferrying back several aircraft from Spain to Blackbushe. I visted Blackbushe one day and old Reg, the FISO, ruefully told me 'I can't give out a QFE now 'cos the governor (Doug Arnold) has pinched my altimeter for Neil to use on a ferry flight'.
This was only a few days before Neil flew into a mountain in Spain; I wonder to this day what altimeter he was using.
