INQUIRY INTO LOSS
WEST COAST PASSENGER
PLANE
(P.A.) HOKITIKA, January 26. The inquiry into the loss of a twin-_~_-engined passenger plane off Westporl on December 21 opened this morning before Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., Squadron Leader Makgill, and Squadron Leader Bolt. Flight Lieutenant Baines, pilot oi the lost plane, said that when it was at about 4000 feet one propeller came off. He throttled back and turned tc the right to bring the plane back to land. He descended through clouds !to 1000 feet, but could not see land. He continued making for Westport The plane was losing height, but al 400 feet appeared to be maintaining it. When the plane struck the water it nosed immediately. He pulled himself through a jagged hole in the fuselage and was followed by three passengers., The door of the escape hatch was too far under water for use. Had lifebelts been available the passengers would have floated long enough to be rescued. He urged the passengers to remove their clothing, but Mr. Mcßride alone took off his overcoat*
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19430127.2.56
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 22, 27 January 1943, Page 4
Word Count
177INQUIRY INTO LOSS Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 22, 27 January 1943, Page 4
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