GLIDER FATALITY

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 May 1931, Page 5

GLIDER FATALITY

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST A dramatic story of the result of an experiment with a new launching apparatus for gliders was told recently at an inquest at Harpenden. Hertfordshire, bn Thomas Eaton Lander, aged 36, of the Old Rectory, Harpenden. Mr. Lander, it was stated, was one of the first in that country to obtain a pilot’s certificate. Mr? Charles Elliott, of Holly Park, Finchley, N., said that he and Mi. Lander were using an experimental apparatus, mainly evolved by Landei, by power transmitted from a motor car. The glider was much smaller and lighter than the usual type. “I was operating the motor car,” he continued, "and Lander was strapped in the glider. As soon as I received the signal from him I ‘revved’ up the engine to about three-quarters of the maximum revolutions and let the clutch gently engage. “The glider left the ground. . and when it had attained a height of about 40 feet, in probably less than one second, I realised tjiat the speed was much too fast and depressed the clutch. 3 ~ "The glider pitched forward slightly twice —its nose went down and up again rapidly—and then dived almost vertically to the ground. The glider attained a speed of about 50 to 60 miles an hour in little less than a second, and its nose was embedded about 12 inches in the ground.” Mr. Elliott said he thought the accident was due to increase in power, lighter weight, and decrease in wind resistance, owing to the smaller machine. The jury returned a verdict of death from misadventure, and expressed their sympathy with the relatives in the loss of so gallant a gentleman.