MISHAP TO ’PLANE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 18, 3 January 1934, Page 6

MISHAP TO ’PLANE

Accident at Waimarama PILOT & PASSENGER UNHURT Minor damage to th* Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Aero Club’s Moth machine was caused by a mishap on Waimarama beach yesterday. The aeroplane was piloted by Mr E. A. Barker, a member of the club, uiid was carrying a boy as a passenger. A* it was about tu take off near the old wool-shed at the southern end of the beach, one ol the wheels was caught by a wave, and the braking effect of the water caused the machine to lip over on its back. Mr Barker and his passenger climbed out unhurt, and the boy went up a lew minutes later with Flight-Lieutenant Gerrand, who had arrived at the beach in the club’s Desoutter machine a little while previously. The wings of the overturned aeroplane were slightly bent, several struts were broken, and the benzine tank, which is on the top ot the upper wing, wan severely crumpled. Flight-Lieutenant Gerrand states that the machine will be ready for use again in three or four days, and that no new constructional work will be necessary. A.s a result of th* storm a good deal of shingle had been washed up on th* beach, and the slope of the beach had been considerably steepened. In trying to avoid the shingle, Mr Barker had to manoeuvre the machine a& close as possible to the water, and was caught by a sudden and unexpected wave. The aeroplane, after its wings had been taken off, was brought back by motor-lorry to Hastings for repair. There was a large number of people on the beach, but at the other cud from where the mishap occurred. They were considerably alarmed and excited, and rushed along to see what had happened. There was fortunately noth, ing to justify their fear 8 that anyone had been hurt, and they soon drifted off again to their swimming and games.