AIR CRASH

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 108, 10 May 1938, Page 12

AIR CRASH

UNION AIRWAYS PLANE

BURSTS INTO FLAMES

TWO PILOTS KILLED

An air tragedy occurred near Auckland today, the Union Airways machine Kotare crashing and the pilot and co-pilot losing their lives.

Union Airways head office received the following advice from Auckland:—

"Regret to advise Lockheed AFC Kotarc, Pilots Duthie and Peel, no passengers, after taking off, observed in difficulties, landing one mile west side of aerodrome approximately 12.22. Burst into flames'. Afraid no doubt both killed. Machine was scheduled to leave Auckland at 12.15." (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, This Day. The Kotarc was forced down one mile west of the Mangere Aerodrome at 12.20 p.m., after having taken oft for Wellington, and burst into flames on striking the ground. Both pilots, Flight-Lieutenant C. M. Duthie and Mr. W. J. Peel, were either killed or burnt to death.

There were no passengers on board. The manager of Union Airways said that a ground-man at ths aerodrome saw the machine being forced down. He motored along the road and ran across a paddock, reaching the scene four minutes after the crash. On reporting to headquarters all he could say was that both pilots were dead.

The Kotare had arrived from Wellington this morning in charge of Commander Keith Brownjohn. He said that as far as he knew the engines were all right.

Mr. Wheeler, manager of the Union Company, said there would be no interruption in the service as a spare plane could be brought into use immediately.

Flight-Lieutenant Duthie was born on January 19, 1908. He was appointed in June, 1935, to the position of pilot instructor to the Manawatu Aero Club, previously held by SquadronLeader M. C. McGregor. Mr. Duthie, who then held a "B" licence, intended to take a short training course at Wigram for his instructor's licence. He took up his duties in Palmerston North at the beginning of July. He was co-

pilot, with Mr. B. A. Blythe, of the Lockheed Electra monoplane Kuaka, which flew from Auckland to Wellington and back in June, 1937. Mr. Duthie was appointed to Union Airways in December, 1935, as a co-pilot. He was promoted pilot in March, 1936.

Flight-Lieutenant Duthie's flying training was received while he was a member of the Wellington Aero Club. He gained his licence in May, 1930, and an endorsed licence in September 'of the same year. His "B" licence was issued in May, 1931. He had about 2500 flying hours to his credit.

He served for several years as a member of the 15th Battery, and was a first class rifle shot, winning the battery championship belt.

Flight-Lieutenant Duthie, who was aged 30, was married a few months ago. His widow is at present spending a holiday at Feilding with his parents.

Mr. William John Peel was born on February 8, 1914. He joined Union

Airways at Palmerston North in June, 1937, as a second officer.

Mr. Peel had about 600 hours' flying experience. He was trained by the Hawke's Bay East Coast Aero

Clubhand his "A" licence was issued in October, 1935, being endorsed for passenger carrying in the following month. A year later he gained his "B" licence.

Pilot Peel was aged 22, and was unmarried. Flight-Lieutenant Duthie was in the Palmerston North-Dunedin service before the service was extended to Auckland about a year ago. One of the company's senior pilots, he had long flying experience. Mr. Peel had been with the company about eighteen months.