DISQUALIFIED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1937, Page 12

DISQUALIFIED

PILOT PUNISHED

KAIMANAWA RANGES MISHAP

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WANGANUI. February 2.

An adjourned inquiry Into the landing of the aeroplane ZK-ACH in the Kaimanawa Hanges, piloted by Wilfred Potaka, was concluded at Wanganui tonight. Mr. A. S. Burgess, president of the Western Federated North Island Flying Clubs, presided, and also present were Wing-Commander T. M. Wilkes, Director of Civil Aviation, and Mr. R. C. Keane, inspector of aircraft accidents. . ■ .

After long evidence was heard from Potaka, Flight-Lieutenant lan Keith, pilot instructor to the federation, Mr. A. Salter, federation ground engineer, and Mr. B. Haybittle, Hawera, the following decisions were reached:—

(1) From the expert ground engineer's report and official comprehensive examination of the engine in every detail, it is perfectly clear that the engine was in a perfectly airworthy condition prior to and after landing and that the condition of the engine did not contribute in any way to the landing.

(2) That it is established that Potaka engaged the machine to go from Wanganui to Palmerston North, via Utiku, but that he exceeded the commission given him by a federation official .by flying beyond that point, therefore deliberately breaking the federation rules which the commission views as a grave and serious offence.

(3) On evidence obtained from the pilot, it is impossible to arrive at the cause of the landing.

(4) That Potaka be disqualified for 12 months and fined the cost of salvaging the machine.