WRECK OF 'PLANE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 138, 13 June 1934, Page 10

WRECK OF 'PLANE.

AERO CLUB'S INQUIRY. NO MECHANICAL DEFECT. Following upon an inquiry into the recent aeroplane accident at Mangere aerodrome the committee of tho Auckland Aero Club has issued its finding, that the machine itself was in perfect flying condition, and that the cause of the accident was a mistake on the part of the pilot. In an official statement the committee says that the pilot,who was a comparatively recent pupil, frankly admitted that he must have been mistaken in thinking that he had moved the rudder to the position which would have checked the spin into which he had deliberately put the machine, because tho subsequent movement showed that tho rudder must have been in the opposite position, thereby causing the spin to continue. Since tho accident the pilot has made a dual control flight with the instructor and satisfied himself that he previously made a mistake. It is pointed out that the aeroplane had been tested as usual, and was found to be in perfect condition by a pilot who had used it only a few minutes before and had satisfactorily practised spinning the machine in both directions. "For the sake of the club's ground stall and the good of aviation generally the same publicity should bo given to the explanation as was given to the accident, thereby as far as possible over, taking any false impressions which may have arisen," remarked a club official. "For all practical purposes the system of supervising machines precludes mechanical troubles, and they are not a factor of any importance in flying." The accident happened on June 4, when the machine, which was piloted by Mr. Reginald Digglo, was wrecked after spinning from about 2500 ft. Mr. Diggle was not injured.