INQUEST THEORY

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1937, Page 2

INQUEST THEORY

ENGINE, ACCIDENTALLY SWITCHED OFF NEW PLYMOUTH, January 17. The possibilty that the forced landing of the (Western Federated Flying Club’s aeroplane on the Kaimanawa ranges on January 8 was caused by the accidental and unconscious turning off of the ignition switches is advanced by Flying Officer lan Keith, W estern Federated Club instructor, who returned to New Plymouth last night after an arduous journey of inspection to the wrecked machine. He says experts cannot otherwise account foi the failure of the engine, as when the machine was reached by the expedition the engine functioned peifectly in three experimental trials. 'He says experts are inclined to the thcoiy that the ignition switches may have been turned off accidentally in mid-air bv the pilot’s arm or a piece of loose clothing. Weight is lent to this theory by the position of the switches on the wrecked machine and the pilot’s explanation of his actions aftei the engine stopped. The expedition, comprising Mesjsrs- 1 B. Haybittle, Government representative. W. Potaka, pilot of the wrecked aeroplane,' K. Martin, New Plymouth Aero Club. A Salter, Western Federated ground engineer, C. Arthur and Master Eric Gibbs Karioi, and Flying Officer Keith, entered the hush from the desert road with packhorses. They were led by Arthur and Potaka, who know the country well. The journey to and from the aeroplane was most arduous, progress being only two miles an hour. The party camped the first night several miles npstenm after ' crossing the Waipakihi river 70 times. The machiner was reached after three and a. half hours’ journey on the second dav. the river being crossed another 40 times. After careful inspection of the machine and three successful trials of the engine, the moveable parts of value were removed and carried out, some on horses and some by hand. The expedition then had another gruelling journey in drenching rain. A party of expert buslimen will endeavour to bring out the remaining parts, incliul- , ing the engine, in the near hituie.