Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, MARCH 19th., 1934. AERIAL TRAGEDY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 March 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, MARCH 19th., 1934. AERIAL TRAGEDY.

at the success of the South Island air pageant at Hokitika on Saturday, will be marred by the regret aroused by the tragedy near Rongotai, when a plane, on its way to compete at the West Coast gathering, crashed on a hillside, the pilot being fatally injured. The circumstances were not dissimilar to those at Terawhate, recently, when two lives were lost, lack of visibility causing loss of direction. Mr. E. R. Boucher, the victim of the Wellington crash, was an experienced pilot, and there is no suggestion there was any defect in the plane. The tragedy must form the subject of an inquest, and the Coroner’s verdict must not be forestalled, but it appears that the mishap was due to a risk that has to be accepted, and which will be minimised, probably, in time by the greater use of radio and other instruments giving direction to perplexed pilots. Meanwhile, West Coasters will join in the expressions of sympathy to the relations of Mr. Boucher, and in the congratulations to his companion on his escape from serious hurt, and on the courage and endurance he subsequently displayed. Every aerial accident causes some to stress the dangers of such transport, but considering the numbers now flying mishaps are comparatively few, and form no occasion for alarm. Each serves, however, as warning to pilots that atmospheric elements must not be regarded lightly, and also, as cm- ■ phasising the need for adequate ' weather-knowledge. Another aspect ■ emphasised from Blenheim is the : desirability of the rigid enforce- j ment of the “reporting” system at!' some convenient centre, for interisland fliers. Possibly, Blenheim ’s'advice in this matter is not entirely disinterested, but in view of the : cost inconvenience, and anxiety ' - , j caused to officials, settlers, and I others when a plane is reported i missing, every precaution should be ] taken to keep airmen in touch with I those on the route over which they | are passing. Perhaps a day will , 1 come when wireless will be com- ] pulsory on all planes. h