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2010 Fox Glacier FU-24 Crash
On 4 September 2010, a modified Fletcher FU-24 aeroplane on a parachuting flight from Fox Glacier Aerodrome, New Zealand, crashed shortly after take-off, killing all nine people on board. The subsequent investigation concluded that the most significant factor contributing to the accident was the weight and balance configuration on the accident flight, which resulted in the aircraft's center of gravity being located beyond its rear limit, leading to loss of control immediately after lift-off. After the report was released, additional inquiries identified problems with the way that the accident investigation had been conducted, leading to public criticism. Responding to the public pressure, the commission that investigated the accident reviewed the circumstances and findings of the original investigation, and released an amended report that acknowledged that the true cause of the crash could not be determined, in part due to mishandling of the original investigation. As a result, n ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Fletcher FU-24
The Fletcher FU-24 is an agricultural aircraft made in New Zealand. One of the first aircraft designed for aerial topdressing, the Fletcher has also been used for other aerial applications as a utility aircraft, and for Parachuting, sky diving. Design and development In the early 1950s New Zealand topdressing operators were in the U.S. seeking a replacement for war surplus De Havilland Tiger Moths which formed the backbone of the industry. To answer the New Zealand request US aeronautical engineer and light aircraft enthusiast John Thorp, John W. Thorp, working for the Fletcher Aviation, Fletcher Aviation Corporation, conceived the T.15 with design elements taken from his earlier Thorp T-211, T.11 Sky Scooter including an all-moving horizontal tailplane but with a wing design similar to that of his Fletcher FD-25, Fletcher FD-25 Defender. Further design work was carried out by Gerald Barden of the Fletcher Aviation Corporation under Thorp's direction. A group of New Zealand top ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
