AKAROA PLANE CRASH

Grey River Argus, 3 August 1940, Page 9

AKAROA PLANE CRASH

Theory of the Accident CHRISTCHURCH, August 2. At the resumed inquest at Akaroa this morning, into the deaths ot Leading-Aircraftsman Francis Maurice McFarlane and John Lindsay McFadyen, the following description of the manoeuvres of the Air Force aeroplane which crashed in Akaroa. on the morning of June 15, was given by William Anthony White:— “The aeroplane seemed to be heading for the sea, but, when possibly 200 yards from the water, I thimc the pilot must have changed his mind. The speed at the time was much 100 slow to turn, but the pilot d:d make a left-hand turn, which threw him into a very steep bank. From there onwards the aeroplane lost its •g\ip of the air, side-slipping rapidly, and travelled about 300 yards before nose-diving to the ground.”

The evidence of Akaroa witnesses was taken by the Coroner (Mr Levvey) this morning, and the inquest will be completed in Christchurch in about a fortnight’s time, when the evidence of Air Force officers will be taken.