Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 13 May 1945
Aircraft Type: Lockheed 18-56-23 Lodestar
Owner/operator: Union Airways
Registration Number: ZK-AHU
Location: Auckland-Mangere Aerodrome (AKL) –
ÿ New Zealand
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Component Affected: Aircraft throttleAircraft throttle
Category: Accident
A 19-year-old aircraft engineer was apprehended after stealing an aircraft from a hangar, resulting in a fire. He mistakenly activated the throttle, causing the aircraft to veer into a line of trees.A 19-year-old aircraft engineer was apprehended after stealing an aircraft from a hangar, resulting in a fire. He mistakenly activated the throttle, causing the aircraft to veer into a line of trees.
Description
The aircraft was stolen from the hangar by a 19 year old apprentice aircraft engineer who had been turned down for pilot training by the RNZAF. Although he knew enough to get the aircraft started and take off, he mistook the throttle for the undercarriage lever and the aircraft veered into a line of trees and caught fire.
Source of Information
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzlodestar.htmhttp://www.adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzlodestar.htmPrimary Cause
Mistaken activation of the throttle by an inexperienced engineer.Mistaken activation of the throttle by an inexperienced engineer.Share on:
