PILOT'S ERROR OF JUDGMENT

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22250, 15 November 1937, Page 4

PILOT'S ERROR OF JUDGMENT

FATAL ACCIDENT NEAR STRATFORD

REPORT OF INQUIRY

RELEASED

[THE PRESS Special Service]

WELLINGTON, November 13.

The conclusion that the pilot had committed an error of judgment in failing to turn back earlier was reached by the board of inquiry which investigated the aeroplane accident that resulted in the death of Philip Joseph Nathan near Stratford on June 2 last The pilot, Mr C. H. Dunford, was seriously injured. The finding of the board, which did not recommend any interference with the pilot's licence, was made available to-day by the Minister in charge of the Air Department (the Hon. F. Jones). The board's report stated: "We think that with the experience at the pilot's command he did his best In attempting to turn back and to extricate himself from the position of difficulty he had got himself into. In our view, however, he failed to exercise sound judgment when, after leaving the railway line about Eltham, he persisted on his course when the ceiling was becoming progressively lower, the terrain more difficult, and the air more bumpy. The proper and prudent course to have followed would have been to turn back earlier, which he could have done in comparative safety, and land at Hawera to obtain reports on which to base his further course of action. We do not think his conduct in all the circumstances can be classed as negligent, or that there was wilful default, but that he committed an error of judgment in failing to turn back earlier than he did. We were impressed with his commendable frankness and candour. We do not recommend any interference with his licence or the award against him of costs. "With regard to Mr Rawnsley, instructor to the Wellington Aero Club, we think that in view of the time and conditions of observation of the New [Plymouth weather report, the known variability of weather conditions over the Stratford area, the time which would elapse before the pilot arrived in that area, and the limited flying experience of the pilot during the preceding 12 months, the more prudent course to adopt would have been to insist on the postponement of the time of departure until a further and full/ detailed

report of favourable weather conditions was available." The Minister said he had approved of the recommendations of the board. The board consisted of Mr F. W. Stilwell, S.M., Mr M. J. Buckeridge, senior assistant to the Controller of Aviation, and Mr A. G. Gerrand, commercial air pilot.