AVIATION.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17272, 10 October 1921, Page 7

AVIATION.

R3B DISASTER.

REPORT OF COURT OF ENQUIRY.

(By o*bl«—Ptttt A«»oci»tioE—Oopyriffct) (JLmtaftliMi ami N.Z. Cable A*ao6i»tlott.) LONDON, October 7.

The Air Ministry Court of Enquiry into the R3B disaster reports that the ship broke in two owing to tho failure of the structure at the rear of the after engine care .while the ship was being subjected to control tests. After the fracture the fire in the forward portion of the ship was mainly responsible%or the loss of life. The fire probably originated in. a spark from the electric leads which were fractured, and spread owing to escaping petrol, the ignition of hydrogen which followed causing the second explosion. Many new features were introduced in "the design of the RBB, but in 60me cases there is a. lack of vital aerodynafnical_ information regarding the effect of the modifications upon the strength of Ih® structure. The use of extreme helm with quick reversal during the test brought a heavy force on the after-portion of the hull owing to the awing of thfe storp.

BOMS ACCIDENTAL

LONDON, October 7.

The .Basra correspondent xifc ''The Times" reports that a British aeroplane, carrying bombs, ascended at Naßiriyeh. A bomb exploded when the aeroplane was 40ft up. The machine caught fire and crashed. The pilot, Hj'slop, arid tho mechanic, Plummer, were killed inßtantly. y Three minutes later, a second bomber rose from the same aerodrome. A bomb exploded when the 'plane was 100 ft up. The .aeroplane crashed. Tho pilot received concussion and the mechanic a black eye.