’PLANE CRASH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 233, 14 September 1934, Page 5

’PLANE CRASH

ON MOUNT EGMONT FEARS FOR OCCUPANTS Extensive Search in Progress AN ARDUOUS TASK By Telegraph—Press Assoeiaton. NEW PLYMOUTH, September 13. The crash of a Moth aeroplane on the northern slopes of Mount Egmont or on the shoulder of Pouakai Range, with the possible loss of two lives, is feared. Tho machine left before midday on a photographing expedition and did not return. The names of the occupants are: Mr. Stanley Green, a New Plymouth Aero Club pilot. Mr. James Austin, a photographer, New Plymouth. The plane left the aerodrome at Bellblock with three hours ’ supply of petrol, and was expected back withix. about the two hours following. Thu recent heavy falls of snow extend loft into the foothills and it was this that tempted the photographer on the expedition. As the afternoon advanced and tho plane did not return anxiety was felt at the aerodrome. Other Taranaki aerodromes were communicated with, but they had no information. Late in the afternoon two trappers, Mr Burrows and his son, emerged from the mountain reserve bush, stating that they had heard an aeroplane crash in the precipitous bush-country above the Kaimiro district. One immediately entered the bush to search, while the other made for a telephone to inform the police and the Aero Club and Alpine Club. The Aero Club and police immediately set to work to organise search parties, the groundwork for which is always in existence, but darkness had descended before any extensive search eould be made. The rough nature of the country and the density of the bush rendered wider operations in the pitch darkness utterly futile and dangerous. The blizzard of the last few days has abated, and the weather is clear and bright, but very cold with snow down to a low altitude, f The crash possibly occurred at an altitude of between 4000 and 5000 feet. I EARLY MORNING START Searchers Fully Equipped PLANES TAKE P.ART NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 11. Ari extensive search for the ■lining plane in the mountain bush began at daylight this morning, when eight fully equipped Alpine Club members and bushmen and two pfancs commenced to search tho area where the plane is believed to have crashed. The locality is knu"u to contain tomo ot tho densest bush on Egmont' t> slopes, ■nd tho task of the searcher# will be an arduous one. Sixty searchers gathered at New Plymouth at 3 o’clock this morning fully equipped with food and medical supplies, fliey included two doctors, and were taken by cars to the edge of tho bush, and as dawn broke they began their strenuous tramp towards the camp of tho trampers who heard the ’plane crash. Meanwhile, the parly had been joined by settlers and bushmen who acted as guides. Tho camp was reached at 6 o’clock, and after a base had been made an intensive search of tho bush began, it being decided not to split into small parties but to patrol closely tho area believed to contain tho ’plane. Meanwhile ’planes piloted by Flying Officer Keith and Captain Gibbons reached tho reserve by daw n and began an air search. At first visibility was good, but after the first hour clouds settled down and low Hying was necessary. Some daring flying was seen as the ’planes flew low investigating every gully and gorge. They made west to east flights over a largo area, thoroughly examining the bush. A system of signals by shots and smoke bombs had been arranged between tho searchers in tho bush and tho headquarters nt Kaimiro, the nearest settlement outside the bush, and with the ’planes. Au ambulance was also ready at Kaimiro. The first two hours' search was resultless. Unless tho wrecked ’piano is observed from the air it is expected tho search will prove very long and difficult. PARTY OBSERVED WAVING. Flying-Officer Keith returned to New Plymouth aerodrome later and reported that although he had seen no signs of the ’plane he observed a parts waving to the plane 2J mihs in the bush iu the direction of Alfred road. Flying-Officer Keith is making a further flight to investigate the area, ami messengers have left the main party to link up with the Alfred road party An emergency radio corps is aiding V in the search, ami has its base station / at New Plymouth, i zone station at tho North Egmont hotel, and a portable set with the main part of searchers. The only eye-wntiicsses ot tho 'plane’s crash, trappers G. Burrows and his son, state that the ’plane fell with a

terrific crash, and a lew seconds alter that heard the engine cut out. They saw the ’plane first at an estimated height ot between l(X)l) and 5000 feet. It appeared to be gliding back in the direction of New Plymouth, but lost height rapidly and after it passed obt of vision they beard the engine splutter and stop. f<> be followed by the sound of a crash.