CAPTAIN BLAMED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 238, 8 October 1942, Page 5

CAPTAIN BLAMED

Fatal Air Crash When Duke Was Killed FLEW OFF HIS COURSE Brili.-h Official Wireless Rec. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 7. The Air Minister, Sir Archibald Sinclair, in the House of Commons, announced the findings of the R.A.F. Court of Inquiry into the Sunderland crash in Scotland on August 15, when the Duke of Kent lost his life. The court stated that before departure the correct projldure for briefing the captain as tB the exact route and providing full meteorological information was complied with. Local conditions were not good at the time of the take-ofF, but general indications showed a likelihood of improvement to the west. The captain of the aircraft was a pilot of long experience on the particular type of aircraft he was flying that day and of exceptional ability.

The court found, firstly, the accident occurred because the aircraft was flown on a track other than that indicated on the flight plan given to the pilot and at too low an altitude to clear rising ground on the track; secondly, the responsibility for'a serious mistake of airmanship lies with the captain of the aircraft: thirdly, the weather encountered should have presented no difficulties to an experienced pilot: fourthly, examination of the propellers showed the engines were under power when the aircraft struck the ground: fifthly, in accordance with King's Regulations and Air Council instructions al! occupants of the aircraft were on duty at the time of the accident. The chief inspector of accidents is in agreement with the findings of the court.

The fatality -aa.- not announced until August 2'.. All were killed on the aircraft with the exception of one survivor. Wing-Commander T. l>. Mo«eley. R.A.F., was first pilot. ar,d flicjht-Lieutenant F. M. Gojcn, J1.A.1"., an Australian, was captain.