PILOTS ACT DEFENDED

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30984, 14 February 1966, Page 1

PILOTS ACT DEFENDED

Jettisoned Fuel Tanks (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, February 13. The action of a Vampire jet pilot who was forced to jettison his fuel tanks over the Manukau harbour on Saturday afternoon was absolutely beyond reproach, said Squadron Leader D. M. Dallison today.

Squadron Leader Dallison, who is commanding officer of No. 75 Squadron, R.N.Z.A.F. Ohakea, said the pilot had exhibited skilled flying and shown good professional airmanship.

“We could have easily lost an aircraft,” he said. The Vampire was one of two flying from Ohakea to Cape Brett to take part in army exercises. It developed a partial engine failure 21 miles north of Auckland and the pilot decided to turn back. The jet was losing power rapidly by the time it approached Auckland international airport. The pilot was forced to jettison the two overload tanks so that he could make a safe emergency landing. Squadron Leader Dallison said the pilot had to land at Mangere because there was no where else he could go. “He considered it a safe move to drop his tanks in the harbour and there was little else he could have done under the circumstances.” The tanks fell about 100 yards on either side of a 20ft launch which was moored in the south channel. On board were Mr W. Rack, of Valley road, French Bay. his neace. Miss V. Rack, and a friend, Mr J. Shackleton, both of Waiuku. Mr Rack said the launch was about four miles from the runway at the airport. "I heard a whistling noise.” he said, "but when we looked up we couldn’t see anything.

Then one tank crashed into the water nearby.” Mr Rack said the tank hit with a splash and then bounced out of the water. When it came down it sank "My first impression was that the tank was a big shark,” he said. He was not looking when the second tank fell on the other side of the launch about 10 seconds later. “I was reaching for the life-jackets,” he said. The second tank stayed afloat and Mr Rack sailed over to it. “I tried to take it in tow,” he said, "but the sea was too rough and there was a strong smell of fuel, so I decided we had better keep away.” Mr Rack said that on a calm day there were often 30 boats moored near where the tanks fell. The area was a favourite fishing spot.