AIR COURT-MARTIAL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 39, 16 February 1943, Page 4

AIR COURT-MARTIAL

LOW-FLYING INCIDENT (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. An alleged collision between, a low-flying aircraft and an army tank near Christchurch on January 5 led to the appearance, of FlyingOfficer Francis Kenneth Woodward, RJN.Z.A.F., before a general courtmartial this morning. Woodward pleaded not guilty to the following charges: An act in flying which was likely to cause bodily injury in that, being captain of an aircraft, he flew in such a manner as to collide with a tank; negligently damaging an aircraft to the extent of £22; an act to the prejudice of good order and Air Force discipline; in that, when 'engaged in instruction in low flying, he flew at a height below 250 ft. Evidence was called to show that Woodward was the captain of an aircraft, and was demonstrating operational low flying. Several tanks were in the vicinity, and the aircraft collided with the turret of one. As a result, the tank was slightly damaged and the aircraft damaged to the extent of £22. The height of the turret of the tank from the ground was stated to be' Bft or 10ft. Woodward was found not guilty of the charge of acting to the prejudice of good order and discipline. Decisions on the other two charges will go forward to : the • confirming authorities for consideration.