Spitty crash lands

[Bass]

Most likely just idling or even windmilling as he cut the engine just before impact, perhaps.

They normally feather them completely (if they can) so they don't windmill

I think you will find that the first blade strike starts the engine rotating (slowly) again, hence the rest being gone. Especially if they are "snap-off" rather than "bend". Even so, you lot may be right, and he didn't manage to get them completely stationary. Would have had a fair bit on his mind right about then and it must take huge presence of mind, to time the shutdown and feathering exactly right.

They don't get much chance to practice it, eh?

[nudemetalz]

Looking at the pic again, Bass, it looks like what's left of the props is pointing forward so does look either feathered or in coarse pitch.

[Bass]

Looking at the pic again, Bass, it looks like what's left of the props is pointing forward so does look either feathered or in coarse pitch.

My bad. I was looking at the photo of the Beech and thinking turbines when I wrote that.
However, you point out an interesting conundrum.
Although the Merlin was only about 6.5 to 1 compression ratio, I believe that was still more than enough to prevent the engine windmilling at landing speeds (although someone may well correct me on that one).
The logic is therefore indeed, that the engine was running when she hit.
If it was running and he was on approach, he would have selected fine pitch.
Why then, as you so correctly point out does it appear to now be fully coarse?

I have no idea, about the details of the pitch control on one of these. I wonder if it's possible that residual oil pressure pushes it coarse when the engine is shut down.

[ZK-Awesome]

The herald is reporting it was an undercarriage failure on landing:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10552113

But we must remember that this gossip and speculation is often more damaging than it is helpful, as tempting as it is. I cringe when people start speculating on forums about how they think it was "pilot error" etc. (trying carefully not to contradict myself here)

More info will appear in the news no doubt that must also be taken with a grain of salt. Perhaps some more info will appear here in a few days:
http://www.caa.govt.nz/Weekly_Accide...nt_reports.htm

[Swoop]

I have no idea, about the details of the pitch control on one of these.

I was of the belief that there was only a fine/coarse selection available.

It appears a bit ironic. Tim Wallace did the same thing when his first spitfire was being ferried south to Wanaka. This had just been ferried down from Auckland...

[nudemetalz]

Not really saying pilot error or anything like that, just discussing interesting info about the Spitfire and how it works.

Undercart failures were common in WW2 with the Spits, esp when they started using them on the aircraft carriers as Seafires until it was strengthened.

The only thing I'm gutted about is that I won't see it perform tomorrow !!

[Bass]

I was of the belief that there was only a fine/coarse selection available.

..

Really?
I'd like to hear more - that would be quite unusual.

[Pussy]

All Spitfires, apart from the early Mk I (which had the De Havilland variable pitch prop, as opposed to constant speed) had propellers with wooden blades.
The ironic thing is most Spitfires flying today have Hoffman built props on them (made in Germany).
Even the Griffon powered Spitfires had wooden blade props

[marty]

That is one spectacular picture.
Apparently did bug'rall damage to the 1900D.

only about 1.5 mill worth

[Swoop]

A picture of a Spitfire and a motorbike.

Just for the hell of it.

[Colapop]

The plane pictured was due to take part in a mock attack on Wellington at lunch time. I saw two planes fly over and that was it. Disappointed really...

[Trudes]

Those two planes that you mentioned Col flew over my house about half an hour ago.... quite low, very fast, sounding AWESOME!!!! Love to know what they were..... anybody?

[Swoop]

Really?
I'd like to hear more - that would be quite unusual.

The prototype had a completeley fixed 2-bladed prop without any pitch control whatsoever.
I'm sure the earlier versions had fine/coarse without the ability to feather.
Much later versions???

[Swoop]

Bugger me!
Another crash landing... with a few more PAX involved!

[Bass]

The prototype had a completeley fixed 2-bladed prop without any pitch control whatsoever.
I'm sure the earlier versions had fine/coarse without the ability to feather.
Much later versions???

I may have misinterpreted what you wrote.
I was thinking in terms of coarse/fine without constant speed.
Were you meaning coarse/fine without feathering?