UNION AIRWAYS CRASH

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1938, Page 7

UNION AIRWAYS CRASH

Inquiry Proceeding WRECKAGE REMOVED. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 11. The evidence of witnesses in connection with the fatal crash of Union Airways' Lockeed air-liner Rotate at Mangere on Tuesday was heard today by Squadron-Leader Olson, Officer Commanding the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base at Ilobsonville. The preliminary inquiry will he extended over the next two or three davs, after which the evidence will be collated by Squadron-Leader Olson in the form of a report to the Minister-in-Charge of the Air Department, Hon. F. Jones.

The wreckage of the Kotare was removed from the scene of the crash on the property of Mrs Rousseh, and was taken to the Union Airways headquarters at Mangere. The starboard engine, which stopped shortly after the take-off, has ■been taken to Hobsonville for an examination by engineering experts. Although damaged extensively, the motor will be completely taken down, and each part minutely examined, in an endeavour to determine the cause of its stopping. The Auckland-Wellington air service is at present being carried on by the Union Airways with the two remaining Lockheeds, the Kuaka and the Kereru. Each of these machines is valued in the vicinity of £15,000. No arrangements have yet been announced for replacing the wrecked Electra, as it is possible to run the present service with the two ma- ' chines.