The Yak-3 was a surprise and a real treat. All the usual stars were there (P-40, Harvards, DC-3, T-28 Trojan, Tiger Moth, L-39, Blunty) ... plus a very proud/sad Skyhawk (non-flying, I have to add
). A great day out, as ever - all for the princely sum of $10. Looking forward to the next show ... with Mossie!The only down side was that Doug Brooker's Spit had another mis-hap. We don't yet know how/what happened exactly - even though we were only feet away from it at the time. He started up OK using the trolley, but then started moving/taxying instantly - with the trolley still attached. The rather terrified looking bloke on the trolley ad the presence of mind to quickly dive onto the trolley and push it along the ground, so it could follow the Spit without wrenching the cable out. I dare say it could have turned ugly - as it could have gone under tension and twanged back at him.
Doug then restarted the Spit - and all seemed OK (engine not running rough or anything) but then promptly shut down and climbed out :-((
I have picked up any info on it yet, but our *guesses* at the time were:
1) Sticking throttle or the throttle cable problem.
2) The engine "raced" for some reason immediately after start (no idea why it would do this <??> - particularly as it didn't *appear* to be over-revving).
3) Forgot to check the parking brake <???>.
Hopefully the story will come out soon.
It may have been a shame for many people that came specifically to see an airborne Spit but, honestly, there was *so much* to enjoy other than the Spit - and NZ Warbirds should get another hearty pat on the back for an amazingly well organised and highly entertaining day.
... I'd love a ride in that Trojan 
