Reversed Thrust Caused DC8 Crash

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31117, 21 July 1966, Page 1

Reversed Thrust Caused DC8 Crash

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 20. The DGB crash in which two died at Mangere on July 4 stemmed from an inadvertent application of reverse thrust on No. 4 (the right outer) engine during take-off.

This resulted in a loss of control in the particular circumstances in which the reversal occurred, said the Minister of Aviation (Mr McAlpine).

The factors leading to the accident had been outlined in preliminary advice received from Wing Commander O. J. O’Brien, the Chief Inspector of Accidents, said the Minister.

“1 must emphasise that the exercise being practised at the time was a training detail, involving the manipulation of certain controls that would never have been used during a take-off in passenger flying,” he said. “There are, therefore, no grounds for public concern on the score of passenger safety.

“Positive steps have been taken to prevent the possibility of a recurrence in subse quent training flying.” The accident occurred on an Air New Zealand training flight. Immediately the circum-

stances of the accident became apparent said the Minister, a warning was issued by Wing Commander O'Briu> for circulation to all airlines which might be affected. Air New Zealand crews were also at once told of the circumstances to ensure there was no possibility of a repetition. “It is not possible to be more specific in detail until all the evidence is analysed and until 1 have Wing Com mander O’Brien’s report.” said Mr McAlpine. “But I must add quite em phatically that the operational integrity of the DCB is not in question.”