AIRCRAFT CRASH OFF WESTPORT

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23891, 9 March 1943, Page 6

AIRCRAFT CRASH OFF WESTPORT

PROPELLER FALLS FROM MACHINE

TEST BEFORE COURT PROPOSED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, March 8. The starboard propeller, dropped from the Air Travel, Ltd., passenger aeroplane which fell into the sea with the loss of four passengers, off Westport on December 21, was found recently on the beach near Patea, and evidence given when the Court of Inquiry resumed to-day concerned the state of the propeller. It was identified as belonging to the machine by Captain J. C. Mercer, managing-director of the company. Squadron Leader E. F. Carpenter, senior aircraft inspector, said that its state indicated that either three of the eight holding bolts were loose, or those bolts had been of sub-standard quality. The latter he thought unlikely. Assuming that the three bolts were loose, he considered the looseness had existed over a fairly long period. He did not think the condition disclosed by the examination of the propeller could have developed in the five hours five minutes’ flying time between the 50-hour check and the time of the failure. He considered that the condition had not developed suddenly, but had been progressive. Captain Mercer, cross-examined by Dr. Foden, said he considered that the 50-hour check had been efficient. In his opinion, some defect had occurred suddenly between the time of that check up and the time of the accident. He considered that the defect had occurred within five hours five minutes’flying time. So far as his knowledge of the case went, no blame was attachable to the personal factor. In regard to the propeller, his company was prepared to supply an engine and propeller and would try to procure a test stand for a test extending over 115 hours, this to be under the supervision of the Air Department and the company’s representatives. He considered that such a test would produce more accurate results than a theory hearing. The inquiry was adjourned for consideration of the company’s offer and also for inquiry into matters concerning the state of the propeller when found.