Department Inquiring Into ongotai Incident

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30964, 21 January 1966, Page 3

Department Inquiring Into ongotai Incident

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 20. An investigation was being carried out today by the Department of Civil Aviation into the incident at Wellington Airport last night in which an Air New Zealand Electra overflew the runway. The incident occurred about 6 p.m. when the Electra and a light aircraft were both seeking permission to land. The Electra was given “overshoot” instruction one mile and three-quarters out, and it was brought round again while the light aircraft landed and taxied off the runway. A spokesman for the department said this morning that the investigation would comprise the standard procedure of playing back tape recordings of the radio conversations between the control tower and the pilots, and taking reports from the pilots and the officer on duty in the tower. The district traffic manager for Air New Zealand (Mr A. van Vliet) said today the Electra was beginning a precision approach for landing when another aircraft appeared on the control tower radar and the Electra pilot was ordered to circle the airport. “This is a routine matter and is not uncommon,” he said. “If the plane is on a precision approach and is not lined up the pilot can circle and approach again.” i

Mr van Vliet said there was no danger, and it was a prudent course anybody would take.