AIRMEN’S RISKS IN N.Z.

Grey River Argus, 8 January 1941, Page 2

AIRMEN’S RISKS IN N.Z.

RECENT MANAWATU TRAGEDY. QUESTION FOR INVESTIGATION. Several matters, which, in his opinion, required investigation, were commented upon by the Coroner (Mr, Graham) at the inquest into the deaths of Sergeant-Pilot Rex Brooke Taylor, and Leading Aircraftman Thomas Arthur Hughes Alexander, 28. from the Ohakea training station. The verdict was that they were accidentally killed, when an aeroplane clashed on the ’property at Siberia, Ash hurst, on December 30.

The Coroner said it was not necessary for him to inquire into the causes which might have led to the disaster. These would be investigated by the Air-Board of Inquiry. He sincerely trusted an exhaustive inquiry would be held into all the circumstances of the crash. “To my mind, one or two points should be clearly investigated, in order to safeguard the interests of those engaged in this hazardous work and their relations and friends, and also in the interests of public safety,” said the Coroner. He indicated the points requiring investigation as follow:—

“(1) Types of machine used in this particular district. I would like it to be ascertained if they are in every way suited to the work they are called on to perform. “(2) The physical and mental condition of the instructors and pilots in these days of stress and strain. It is quite possible they are overworked. I would like to be satisfied that these responsible officers are allowed sufficient leisure time to recuperate themselves, mentally and physically, from Hie strain of their work. “(3) Low flying should be looked into in this district. From my own observations, a lot of unnecessarily ]ow flying is indulged in, particularly near the hospital. Possiblj' there are regulations governing this, but it would allay public anxiety in this connection if the Board made some announcement about this.” In returning his verdict the Coroner said he had received a letter from A. W. Alexander, father of one of the deceased, which the writer asked to be read at the inquest. He would not do this, but would forward it to the Air Board of Inquiry.