DEVON PLANE WRECKED

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27873, 23 January 1956, Page 7

DEVON PLANE WRECKED

PILOT OVERSHOOTS RUNWAY OCCUPANTS ESCAPE SERIOUS INJURY (New Zealana Press Association) INVERCARGILL, January 22. An Air Force Devon aircraft from Wigram overshot the runway at the Invercargill airport on Saturday morning, and was wrecked in a 30foot ditch on the eastern boundary of the field. None of the six occupants was seriously injured, but the aircraft was very extensively damaged. “We may be able to cut it up for parts, but I do not think she will ever fly again,” an R.N.Z.A.F. officer said. The aircraft is valued at £lB,OOO.

It was piloted by Sergeant L. Giddens. It carried four other airmen— Corporal Lampson, and Leading Aircraftmen Howie, Manly, and Bird—and two W.A.A.F.’s —Leading Aircraftwomen Hoa and Kay. Most of the occupants suffered minor cuts and bruises.

Miss Kay was admitted to the Southland Hospital for observation. The Devon was .scheduled to participate in the Southland centennial air pageant. A guard was placed on the Devon immediately after the accident, and spectators were not allowed near it. Later, the wreckage was covered with tarnaulins.

The officer commanding the Taieri Air Force Wing Commander P. P. O’Brien, was notified, and arrived in another Devon about 1 p.m. Three men were sent from Taieri to guard the aircraft last night. An official inquiry into the accident was held today. The Court of Inquiry consisted of Squadron Leader B. Rachinger, R.A.A.F., Flight Lieutenant J. D. Waugh, and Flight Lieutenant D. J. McGovan, from Wigram.