Parnall Pipet

Parnall Pipet

Parnall Pipet

Designed as a shipborne fighter, the Parnall Pipet first flew in the summer of 1928. During testing of the first prototype N232, severe tail flutter was encountered, resulting in the tailplane spar fracturing. Despite receiving a broken neck, the pilot survived and flew again but the aircraft was a write-off.

A second prototype N233 was built, modified with tailplane struts and a rudder horn balance. Ailerons were added to the upper wings. linked to those on the lower wing with an external rod. During testing on 24 February 1929, flutter was so strong that it caused the fin and rudder to break from the fuselage. Fortunately the pilot escaped using a parachute. No further development of the Pipet was undertaken.