A Flycatcher that flew left-wing-low under power but level with the engine off led Norman Macmillan to investigate the tailplane mounting. Excessive movement let propeller airflow warp the slack surface so that it behaved like an aileron. Fairey temporarily braced the mounting with piano wire, confirmed level flight, and then modified the design to prevent further play. The Air Ministry required the repaired aircraft to undergo witnessed dives, creating Britain's first official requirement for contractor dive testing. A structural defect thus helped formalize a test practice directly relevant to Fleet Air Arm dive bombing.
Notable Point · 42:51-44:26
A Flycatcher defect led to Britain's first official contractor dive tests
Diagnosing a power-dependent wing-low tendency produced a stronger tail mounting and formal dive testing that encouraged Fleet Air Arm dive-bombing practice.