MT. HAWKINS CRASH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 95, 5 April 1934, Page 5

MT. HAWKINS CRASH

Due to Bad Weather CORONER’S VERDICT 'By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 5. An inquest on Mr Ernest .‘.obert Boucher, president of the Auckland Aero Club, who was killed in an aeroplane smash on Mount Hawkins, in the vicinity of Red Rocks, Wellington, wa g held to-day. A verdict of accidental death was returned by the coroner. Mr G. Gilbertson. The accident was attributed to unfavourable weather conditions. The coroner added praise for Mr L S. Swan, deceased’s companion, for his efforts to obtain help, though himself injured. One witness, Roy Morphy, a mechanic at the Rongotai aerodrome, expressed the opinion that the weather was quite safe for the flight to Nelson, provided the machine did not go too near the hills. It was not possible to lay down any rules for flying Cook Strait It depended on the prevailing conditions. Mr Swan said he considered it quite reasonable to fly on that particular day. The weather conditions were quite suitable, and Nelson reports were favourable. He was of the opinion that they took no risks without blind flying instruments and a knowledge oi their use. It wag quite impossible to tty in the clouds with anv degree of safety. The coroner emphasised the danger of flying in clouds and fog. He could see no reason for saying that the deceased took any undue risks. No possible blame could be attached to him. Mr Swan had done all in his power to aid the deceased under difficult conditions, and despite his own