GRAPHIC STORY

Grey River Argus, 21 February 1935, Page 5

GRAPHIC STORY

PLANE TRAGEDY On Canterbury Coast (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 20. Warm praise for efforts made by Cecil Haigh to rescue his companion, Richard Noel Roake, when an aero plane in which they were flying from Blenheim to Christchurch fell into the sea at Waipara on January 19, was expressed by the Coroner (H. P. Lawry) at the conclusion to-day of the inquest into the death of Roake. A verdict of accidental death by drowning was returned, the Coroner remarking that there appeared to be no cause for comment on Roake’s piloting of the machine; that it was apparent that every reasonable safety precaution had been taken, and that the flying regulations had been complied with. “I should not let this opportunity pass without emphasising the praise that is due to Haigh for the long-sus-tained and gallant efforts he made in his endeavour to get his companion ashore, and the prolonged search for help he subsequently made,” said Mr Lawry, after announcing the verdict. “The evidence shows that Haigh was continuously occupied in this task for 12 hours with very little rest, and one cannot speak too highly of the efforts he made in very trying circumstances. ’ ’

The only evidence on how the accident occurred was that of Cecil Herbert Haigh, Manager of the Majestic Theatre, Christchurch, who was in the aeroplane as a passenger with Roake on January 19. Witness said he ac ec-mpanied Roake in an Aero Club machine to Blenheim. The trip north was made without incident. They left Blenheim on return at 12.40 p.m., having received a report from Christchurch that the weather was favourable. Near Motunan Island, visibility was obscured by mist. Roake was following the coast line, and in order to see the breaking surf, he had to come down to 400 or 500 feet. They both knew there was a headland in front, and were looking out for it. Witness , diet not see it. but. apparently. Roake did, for he suddenlv turned the machine sharp to the left. The machine was so close to the headland that Roake had to execute a stall, and turn with the wings at right angles to the ground. The turn was completed, and the pilot zoomed flown with an open throttle. At the moment witness expected the machine to lift again, thev were

in the sea, and the machine was floating upside down. Witness unfastened his safety belt. Roake was hanging from his belt, conscious, and trying to unfasten the belt. Roake lost consciousness before Haigh succeeded in releasing him. Witness got him to the surface, where he revived after 30 seconds. They held on to the machine, and both took off their overcoats. The machine was sinking fast. Witness swam off, and recovered the landing "wheels, which were floating 30 feet away. Roake and he were holding on to the wheels and they Struck out for the shore, but made little progress. Roake said: “Have a rest and then swim for it!” After a rest of three minutes, Roake made for a rock 50 yards off the shore. He reached it, and he was resting in the water with his hand on the rock, when a big wave flooded the rock. Roake disappeared. Witness saw him fifteen yards on the seaward side of the rock, apparently in a bad way. Witness went to his assistance, brought him to the surface, and eventually ashore. Witness tried to revive him, but he failed, and then he went for assistance. In witness’s opinion, Roake was dead when he was brought ashore.