GALLANT RESCUE EFFORT

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 21 February 1935, Page 7

GALLANT RESCUE EFFORT

PLANE’S CRASH INTO SEA

PASSENGER’S STORY AT INQUEST

LOW FLYING IN FOG

Warm praise for the efforts made by Cecil Haigh to rescue his companion, Richard Noel Roake, when an aeroplane in which they were flying from Blenheim to Christchurch fell into the sea at Waipara on January 19 was expressed by the coroner, Mr 11. P. La wry, S.AI., at the conclusion to-day of an inquest into the death of Roake. A linding of accidental death by drowning was recorded, 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 sustained and gallant efforts lie made in his endeavour to bring his companion ashore and the prolonged search for help lie subsequently made,” said Air Lawry after announcing his finding. “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 Alajestie Theatre, Christchurch, tv ho tv as in the aeroplane as a passenger with Roake. On January 39, said Haigh, lie accompanied Roake in an Aero Club machine to Blenheim. The flight north was made without incident.

AI IST OBSCURES VISIBILITY

They left Blenheim on the return journey at 12.40 p.m., having received a report from Christchurch that the weather was favourable. NearMotunau Island visibility was obscured by mist. Roake was following the coastline and in order to see the breaking surf he had to come down to an altitude of 400 or 500 feet. They both knew there was headland in front and were looking out for it. Haigh did not see it, but apparently Roake did, for lie suddenly turned the machine sharply to the left.

The machine was so close to the headland that Roake had to execute a stall turn with tlie wings at right angles to the ground. The turn was completed and the pilot zoomed down with an open throttle. At the moment Haigh expected the machine to lift again they were in the sea, the machine floating upside down. Haigh unfastened his safety belt. Roake was hanging from his belt conscious and trying to unfasten his belt. Roake lost consciousness before Ilaigh succeeded in releasing him. Haigh brought him to the surface, where lie revived after 30 seconds. They held on to the machine and both took off their overcoats. The machine was sinking fast. Haigh swam off and recovered the landing wheels, which were floating 30ft. away. Roake and lie, holding the wheels, 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 was resting with his hand on the Tock when a big wave flooded the rock and Roake disappeared. Haigh saw him 15 yards on the seaward side of the rock, apparently in a bad way. He went to his assistance, and brought him to the surface and eventually ashore. He tried to revive him but failed, and then went for assistance. In Haigh’s opinion Roake was dead when he was brought ashore.