PILOT’S FATAL LAPSE

Evening Star, Issue 20413, 19 February 1930, Page 9

PILOT’S FATAL LAPSE

DESCENT BY PARACHUTE FORGOT TO PULL RELEASE CORD Pres* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, February 18. How a relief aeroplane was sent up to extricate the pilot of an ungovernable dual control machine from a dilemma was described at the inquest on Pilot-sergeant Cecil Fell, who was killed after jumping near Kenley aerodrome. Flight-lieutenant Charles Trunch said that Squadron-leader Baker and other officers on the ground saw Fell flying in serious difficulties because he dual controls had jammed. Baker told Trunch to get alongside and signal io Fell to fly upside down and try to dislodge the obstacle. When Trunch got there he saw that the rear controls had jammed. Fell tried to overturn, hut he jammed controls prevented him Trunch then signalled to try looping tho loop, and Fell, in replying, indicated that he intended to jump with a parchute. He signalled .to tho sergcan to follow his and took him to G,tX)oft over tho Epsom Downs, which made a parachute descent safer. Fell suddenly dived to 2,000 ft. apparently in full control of the machine, but he then again met trouble, and jumped. He forgot to pull the release cord and consequently the parachute did not open.

Experts are of the opinion that the parachute in the rear seat was insecurely fastened and prevented the dual control fro mworking fully.—London ‘ Times ’ cable.