LOSS OF R101

Evening Post, Issue 113, 10 November 1930, Page 9

LOSS OF RlOl

DUE TO GAS LEAKAGE ?

FABRIC RUBBING ON FRAME

IMPORTANT EVIDENCE

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, 7th November. Before the inquiry into the loss of 8101 was resumed at Westminster this morning a demonstration by means of a model of the position of the gasbags, and wiring used in the ill-fated airship was given in a room below the Court by Air Ministry experts. . t Sir John Simou, who is presiding over the Court, and his two assessors, Colonel Moore Brabazon and Professor Ingles, were much interested in the demonstration. Two French Government aeronautical experts gave evidence to-day. Both expressed tho opinion, having examined the wreckage, that no rupture occurred in the structure before the airship struck the ground. Most of the day's proceedings! were concerned with the condition of the gasbags of 8101, and the possibility of leakage causing loss of lift. HOLES IN FABRIC IN JUNE. Letters from Colonel Richmond, ; the designer of the airship, and Mr. M'Wade, of the Cardington Inspection Department, were produced, referring to holes'which occurred in the fabric during June. Flight-Commander Irwiri, commanding 8101, reported on Ist July that the ship was heavy in handling and referred to the possibility of loss of gas. In connection with his report, Colonel Richmond wrote to Major Scott, Director of Airship Development, calculating that the loss of lift worked out at about one ton per square inch of opening in 12 hours, and asking for particulars of any holes found from time to time1 by, the crew. CHAFING AGAINST NUTS. Mr. M'Wade also wrote to' the Air Ministry regarding the chafing of the gasbags against nuts or bolts, which, despite padding, showed holes, and stated that , until the ' matter , was remedied he could not recommend the issue of a further permit to fly. Mr. M'Wade, giving evideneo to-day, said although before 8101 set off to India the padding was quite satisfactory, the gasbags still weighted against the longitudinals and the points of fouling remained. Asked by Sir John Simon if he would have granted a certificate of airworthiness to RlOl before her last flight, Mr. M'Wade replied: "I am afraid I would not have done so."