Viscount Mishap Due To Co-Pilot’s Error

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28743, 14 November 1958, Page 12

Viscount Mishap Due To Co-Pilot’s Error

(New Zealand Press Assoctatton) WELLINGTON, November 13. In a preliminary report to the general manager of the National Airways Corporation, Captain H. C. Walker, co-pilot to Captain P. A. Matheson in the Viscount airliner which was damaged in a landing mishap at Whenuapai yesterday, has stated that the faulty landing was caused by an error made by him in the operation of the controls during the latter stage of the landing run. At the Wellington office of N.A.C. today, Captain Walker explained to a reporter the procedures followed in approach and landing, shared between pilot and co-pilot. On approach, the undercarriage is lowered and locked hydraulically in position and wing flaps are extended. During the landing run, the flaps are retracted into the wing and the error was made in the operation of the undercarriage controls—instead of the flap control—at a point about 400 yards from the touch-down.

Captain Walker said he realised the mistake immediately and took corrective action by restoring pressure to the hydraulic system of the nosewheel and main undercarriage. The management and officers joined with Captain Walker in regret at the occurrence, said the general manager (Mr J. J. Busch). Captain Walker’s immediate action in reactivating the hydraulic system of the undercarriage succeeded in holding the nose-

wheel in partially extended position and without doubt saved the fuselage from extensive damage, said Mr Busch. The fuselage was penetrated in a minor degree at one point only. Asked if Captain Walker’s status was affected, an N.A.C. spokesman said the corporation had taken no action. As superintendent of technical development, Captain Walker was no longer doing full-time pilot duty. He was flying only sufficient hours to keep his licence intact, so he could still be of use to the corporation in this capacity. Captain Walker delivered the Viscount to New Zealand.

There would be no Air Department inquiry because no-one was injured. Whether or not there would be an N.A.C. inquiry would be a matter for the decision of the management and board.