AIR TRAGEDY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 18 April 1922, Page 5

AIR TRAGEDY.

TRIBUTES TO SIR ROSS SMITH

BY CABLE—PKESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT LONDON, April 15. Universal tributes are paid by all the British, French, and Continental press to Sir Ross Smith's daring resourcefulness. The coroner at Weybridge, at the inquest on Sir Ross Smith and Lieut. Bennett, said it was an exceedingly sad case, and he sympathised not only with [ the relatives, but with the aviation interests and Australia, which had lost ! one of its best flying boys, who had done good service to the Empire. Mr. Muller, superintendent for the Vickers Co. at Brooklands, gave evidence that the machine was perfect, and the fact that Sir Ross Smith got her out of her spin halfway down proved that, the controls were intact. Captain Cockerell stated in evidence that he handed the machine to Sir Ross Smith after half an hour's flight. He climbed from the machine, leaving the engine running, and Sir Ross Smith took his sestt and flew off. Sir Ross Smith knew the machine perfectly. The only thing which attracted Captain ■Cockerell's attention was that when Sir Ross Smith shut off the engine and was in spin the machine was not running.

A verdict was returned of death by misadventure.

It is announced that Sir Keith Smith will not carry out the world flight project.

At the inquest Sir Keith Smith testified that it was the first time his brother had flown an amphibian machftie.

Mr. Muller, superintendent at Brooklands, said the machine was similar to those supplied to the British, Canadian, Japanese, and Dutch Governments. It was in complete flying trim and there was no defect anywhere. The controlling parts were absolutely intact after the accident. It was a'good day for flying.

Captain Cockerell gave evidence that j the,machine was not examined when lie-, and Sir Ross Smith descended from . their preliminary flight, because the engines were running. Sir Ross Smith merely replaced Captain Cockerell at the . controls. Witness testified that he had seen the construction of the machine throughout and it was perfect in every respect. Sir Ross Smith understood his demonstrations during the test flight perfectly. The fact that it was an amphibian machine made no difference to flying. Witness added that Sir Ross Smith while in the air suggested that they should land and he be given the controls. Witness was convinced that nothing was wrong with the engine. Though Sir Ross Smith in his first attempt failed to stop the spin he succeeded in the second attempt, but then he was too near the ground. The machine was travelling at a hundred miles an hour.

The Times states that after the accident Sir Keith Smith, weeping bitterly said: "Oh, Ross, old chuni, why didn't I come with you; speak to me." The Times, in a tribute to the dead airman, says: "Sir Ross Smith, a great hero of adventure, has now been called to rejoin the men of his old troop at Gallippli."

Sir Keith Smith states that he has no plans for the future. He has practically decided that Sir Ross Smith and Lieut. Bennett will be buried at Weybridge, one of the most foremost spots associated with aviation. It would be impossible for him to proceed to Australia for some weeks, owing to finalising business contracts; he had previously left it all to "poor old Ross." Sir Keith Smith has received the following telegram from the private secretary at Windsor Castle: "the King and Queen were shocked to hear of the terrible accident in which your brother Ross and Lieut. Bennett lost their lives as they were preparing to embark on yet another daring exploit. Their Majesties feel that by their death the Empire has lost two of the foremost pioneers in flight. lam desired to assure you of their heartfelt sympathy in your sorrow."