’PLANE CRASH

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 March 1943, Page 4

’PLANE CRASH

PROPELLOR TEST OFFERED WELLINGTON, March 8. The starboard propeller, dropped from the Air Travel, Ltd., passenger aeroplane which fell into the sea with the loss of four passengers, off Westport on December 21, was found recently on the beach near Patea, and evidence given when the Court of Inouiry resumed to-day concerned the state of the propfeller. Captain Mercer, cross-examined by Dr. Foden, said he considered that the 50-hour check had been efficient. In his opinion, some defect had occurred suddenly between the time of that check up and the time of the accident. He considered that the defect had occurred within five hours five minutes’ flying time. So far as his knowledge of the case went, no blame was attachable to the personal factor. In regard to the propeller, his company was prepared to supply an engine and propeller and would try to procure a test stand for a test extending over 115 hours, this to be under the supervision of the Air Department and the company’s representatives. He considered that such a test would produce more accurate results than a theory hearing. The inquiry was adjourned tor consideration of the company’s offer and also for inquiry into matters concerning the state of the propeller when ’ found. ______