12/31/2024. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "Timothy (Tim) P.D. Bygate taught himself aircraft design in two years while working at New Zealand's North Island, then built the original design homebuilt Tiger Hawk during a six years period at the Hanmer Forest Camp, Hanmer Springs, South Island, New Zealand, and subsequently learned to fly. Finally, after being registered ZK-THK on August 24, 2001, the one-of-a-kind single-seat light sport aircraft was first flown by Evan Belworthy on September 7, 2001.
Of all-wood construction and covered with plywood and Ceconite 102 fabric, the aircraft originally flew with an 109.8 cu.in (1.8 l) Subaru engine. Being underpowered an 152.6 cu.in (2.5 l) Subaru was fitted, and finally an 122 cu.in (2.0 l) Subaru EA81 with Sub 4 a 2:1 belt drive reduction gear.
On February 6, 2005, while landing at Ashburton-Canterbury Airport, Canterbury, the aircraft's propeller struck the ground and the undercarriage collapsed. The pilot escaped injuries, but the aircraft was substantially damaged.
