"Cam" wrote in message
...
Cheers Bob, Presuming they use a sprag type clutch, I'd imagine it
would
have to be very badly worn to lock up in the driving state. Of the
different
types (sprag) I've seen, they seem inherently bullet proof buy there
design.
I'd love to see a fataly damaged one just to see how they wear.

Cam.....

I did a little research and found the NTSB report. Docket number NYC87MA024.
It says the sprag clutch was under lubricated, was damaged internally, and
had some incorrect parts fitted ( specifically short pawls ) and that it had
"rolled over" in the opposite direction. I assume this means that the
freewheel direction had reversed. There is also available an audio of the
crash. Jane Dornacker was on air at the time. In the background, it seems
the engine can be heard overspeeding, certainly revving freely with no load
on it. Perhaps the engine didn't fail, the sprag clutch just let go ( hence
engine sounds in the audio ) and in the panic he pulled pitch. The report
says they were only at about 75 feet.

Mark