seagull61785 wrote:
Well explained Dudley,
A thought came to mind that if the pilot had being flying Merlin-powered versions prior to the incident, he may have wound the rudder trim the wrong way pre take-off, which would have made the Griffon-powered mk XIX virtually uncontrollable as it swings the other way.
Wouldn't be the first Spitfire pilot to be caught out in this manner.
I've noticed through the years when discussing trim on these fighters with pilots seeking checkouts that it seems a common belief that trim plays a much more dramatic role on takeoff than it actually does.
Naturally setting up the rudder trim improperly wouldn't help the issue but during takeoff it's rudder that's predominant and especially early in the takeoff run the trim has little effect if countered by rudder.
On the Mustang for example, you preset for 6 right. You correct using rudder during the 55 inches stage of the takeoff then reduce to a METO setting of 46/2700 for the climb. It's THERE where that 6 degrees right rudder trim balances out for you.
So to be accurate one should consider the rudder trim initial setting as optimized for the climb as opposed to being critical on the takeoff run.
The nose on this Spit was literally horsed down early. Can't say why but pilots flying these fighters regularly know not to do that so the fact that it was done I would find highly irregular for this pilot.
The investigation will reveal more information I'm sure.
What a shame. Wishing him well of course.
Dudley Henriques