SEAPLANE CRASH

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 48, 20 November 1930, Page 13

SEAPLANE CRASH

Accident in Waitemata PILOT NOT CULPABLE Special Court’s Finding A finding that although an error of judgment was committed no blame was attachable to the pilot has been returned by the court of inquiry set up to investigate the accident to the New Zealand Air Force seaplane Fairey 111, which plunged into the Waitemata Harbour near Hobsonville Aerodrome, Auckland, bn October 29. The machine was piloted by FlightLieutenant S. Wallingford at the time. It was undergoing a speed test, with Corporal H. Smith and A. G. Andrews on board in addition to the pilot, when it suddenly plunged into the harbour, carrying the three men 50 feet under water. They had a remarkable escape, being brought to the surface through the buoyancy of their safety jackets. The machine was badly damaged and was recovered with considerable difficulty. The court of inquiry comprised Colonel J. E. Duigan, president, and Major R. Miles and Flight-Lieutenant H. B. Burrell. Its finding, which was forwarded to the Minister of Defence, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, yesterday, is as follows:— 1. The machine was tested before flight in accordance with the Air Ministry regulations, and was- reported to be airworthy. 2. The examination of the machine after flight by Squadron-Leader L. M. Isitt shows that the controls were working efficiently apart from such damage as was caused by the accident and subsequent immersion in the sea. 8. The aecidept occurred in the course of a speed test carried out by the pilot, Flight-Lieutenant S. Wallingford, N.Z.P.A.F., which test was quite within the scope of his duties as a service pilot. 4. The accident was caused through an. error of judgment on the part of FlightLieutenant Wallingford. 5. No blame is attachable to FlightLieutenant Wallingford or any other person in connection with the accident.

In spite of the fact that the two final sections of the finding appear, contradictory they are not as conflicting as appears at first sight. No statement .was made in releasing the finding, but it is understood that, in accordance with an unofficial statement made some. time ago, a service pilot who is carrying out tests is entitled to take risks which pilots would not otherwise be warranted in taking. In view of that, a pilot may commit an error of judgment but still not be culpable in the ordinary sense.