GLACIER PLANE-CRASH

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 November 1943, Page 4

GLACIER PLANE-CRASH

NO FORMAL INQUIRY

WELLINGTON, November 22. Mr. Jones stated that a. formal inquiry under the Air Navigation Regulations would not be held m respect to the accident to the Fox Moth passenger plane at Franz Josef Glacier on October 29. The report of the accident indicated that the aircraft was in a completely airworthy condition, both airframe and engine having been covered by the certificate ol safety for the’ flight, given on the morning of the accident by Captain J. C. Mercer, who held both current A. and C. Ground Licences. The pilot, O. D. Openshaw, held a pilots B. Commercial licence, valid for a fox Moth aircraft. There were no witnesses of the accident other than the occupants of the aircraft, and the only technical evidence available was that of the pilot, and that obtained front examination of the scene of the accident and the wreckage. The officers who investigated the accident had recommended the issue of a notice to airmen, drawing attention of pilots to, firstly, the necessity for maintaining continuous observation of air speed when flying m the immediate vicinity of high mountains. Secondly, the most effective means of recovering flying speed in the ex e J of such action becoming necessary. Thirdly, the necessity for avoiding flying in close proximity to high hills on recommendations, the Minister concluded, had been accepted, and notice to airmen of that natiue was being issued.