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Aviation History
1962
1962 - 0252.PDF
254 FLIGHT International, 15 February 1%2 S PORT AND B U S I N ESS Currently undergoing certification by the US Federal Aviation Agency is the "push-pull" Cessna Sky- master, powered by two Continental engines. No performance data have been released by the company Accidents—and Why These notes on accidents to light aircraft in Britain during 1961, prompted by a comment by P.P.O. in "Private View" earlier this year, formed the subject of a leading article in last week's issue. The author is D. C. Perch, an ex-RAF flying instructor with experience of Air Ministry accident-prevention work who is now flying instructor to a small but active club at Biggin Hill. QVER 160 accidents to British-registered light aircraft were ^^ reported during 1961, ten of which involved two or more aircraft. This is a substantial figure—around 20 per cent of the total number of light aircraft on the register—and, with the addition of the many minor accidents about which no details are published, the cost to club and private flying must be extremely heavy. This cost is not only that of labour and materials, but also loss of utilization and the adverse effect on insurance rates. There were eight fatal accidents during the year, and these will be dealt with in the annual accident report published by the Ministry of Aviation, after each has been fully investigated. The purpose of these notes is to draw the attention of club and private pilots to the very heavy price they pay for carelessness, poor airmanship or flying discipline, lack of forward planning and, in a few cases, sheer stupidity. First, taxying accidents, which resulted in damage to more than 50 aeroplanes. With very few exceptions, all taxying accidents are avoidable with the exercise of a little more skill, a little better judgment, or plain commonsense. But when a pilot taxies into the hangar, instead of switching-off well clear of the building and then pushing the aircraft into position, he is asking for trouble—and frequently gets it. A prime example of stupidity is hand-swinging without a qualified person in the cockpit. During 1961, two pilots had their aeroplanes get away, leaving a trail of wreckage behind. There were no bodies, but there might well have been, and the most likely victim is the prop-swinger himself. This classic accident has already happened again in 1962! When hangar space is at a premium, many aircraft must be parked in the open, and as a result are liable to gale and storm damage. There were eleven aircraft substantially damaged in this way during the year, and owners of aircraft parked in the open should make arrangements to be notified when a gale warning is issued. Alternatively, aerodrome operators could undertake to secure such aircraft for an agreed fee. Six Piper Cherokees were delivered by C.S.E. Aviation Ltd during January, one of which was handed over by Lord Waterpark of C.S.E. (left) to Mr D. M. Rowse of Despatch Motor Co Ltd
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