BOMBER LANDS IN SEA

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22894, 15 December 1939, Page 10

BOMBER LANDS IN SEA

ENGINE FAILURE OFF| ISLAND BAY PILOT UNINJURED TAIL TORN OFF DURING SALVAGE OPERATIONS (PRESS ASSOCIATIOK TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, December 14. Through engine trouble, which has not yet been diagnosed, a Royal New Zealand Air Force Blackburn Baffin bomber, one of three engaged on a cross-strait and cross-country navigation flight, had to make a forced landing on the sea in Island Bay at 12.30 p.m. to-day. Pilot Officer S. G. White, of Woodburne aerodrome, the only occupant of the machine, was not hurt, and did not even get wet. The engine failed off Palmer Head, but picked up temporarily. The pilot turned to return to Rongotai. The machine circled for a short time without landing; but the motor failed at a height of about 500 ft, too low to enable the machine to glide either to the aerodrome or the beach. Residents of Island Bay say the bomber made a perfect landing just as if in normal circumstances, about two miles from shore. Mr L. Meo, an Italian fisherman. , returning in a launch from the Tarawera coast, went out to the aeroplane, and the pilot told him he was all right. Another launch, the Nanena, the skipper of which is Mr Rafael Creco, brought the pilot to shore. The Wellington Free Ambulance had been summoned, but Pilot Officer White was uninjured. Three fishing launches were used to tow the bomber into shore; but because of a strong head wind, and the fact that the machine was a dead weight, all but the tail having rapidly submerged, - progress was slow. At an early stage of the tow the machine turned turtle, and at least an hour was occupied in bringing it to within 400 yards of the beach. Endeavours were then made to bring the tail over, so the bomber could be hauled in on its wheels, and considerable damage was done in the process. Several attempts were necessary before the machine was brought ashore. Ropes Break When the machine had drifted in a short distance from the beach, a stout rope was tied to the skid, and two more ropes flanking out to either side were also attached to keep the machine balanced. Air Force men from Rongotai and officers and soldiers from Fort Dorset, together with fishermen and volunteers, hauled away at the ropes, while directions were being given by Air Force and Army officers. For a considerable time the bomber refused to budge, and when eventually some movement was evident, the rope on the right flank snapped. This was replaced; but when a start was made again, the one on the other flank snapped. The stage was set again, and to the accompaniment of cheers from the onlookers, the big machine was brought up on to its nose, and was about to come over on to an even keel when the stoutmain rope got out of control, and the bomber plunged back into the sea. Then for a second time thQ rope on the right flank snapped. By this time curious creaking noises could be heard, and while the salvage party was working energetically, the tail of the bomber was torn clean away. There was a touch of irony when Pilot Officer White arrived back on the beach to watch the salvage operations. The main rope broke while he was standing on the beach, and the end of it struck him in an eye. He appeared hurt for a minute or two, but then went on chatting with his friends. Numbers of children, some with nothing better than scraps of paper, worried him for autographs, and in some cases he smilingly obliged. Pilot Officer White, whose home is in Havelock North, Hawke's Bay. has had considerable flying experience. At one time he was a member of the Royal Air Force, and fimv his own Moth from England to Australia. He joined the Territorial Air Force shortly before war was declared.

Group Captain L. M. Isitt said tonight that the flotation bags in the rear of the fuselage' of the Baffin had worked most efficiently, and were responsible for keeping the tail above the sea. The air department, he added, greatly appreciated the action of the Italian fishermen and others who gave assistance. The Baffin arrived in New Zealand about a year ago. The value is said to be between £6OOO and £7OOO.