CRASH OH EGMONT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 246, 14 September 1934, Page 2

CRASH OH EGMONT

FEARS FOR AVIATORS.

MOTH ’PLANE’S FATE.

Per Press Association

NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 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. The machine left before midday on a photographing expedition, but did not return.

The occupants are:— MR. STANLEY GREEN. a New Plymouth Aero Club pilot, MR. JAMES AUSTIN, photographer, of New Plymouth.

Both nre single men. No trace either of men or the machine has yet been found.

The aeroplane left the aerodrome at Bell Block, with a three hours’ supply of petrol, and was expected back within about two hours. Following the recent heavy falls, the snow extends low into the foothills, and it was this that tempted the photographer to embark on the expedition. As the afternoon advanced and the 'plane did not return, anxiety was felt at the aerodrome. Other Taranaki aerodromes were communicated with, but thev 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 lvaimiro district.

One of them immediately entered the bush to search, while the other made for a telephone to inform the police and the aero club. The alpine club, the aero club and the police immediately set to work to organise search parties, the groundwork for which is always in existence, but darkness had descended before an extensive search could be made. The rough nature of the country and the density of the bush rendered wider operations in pitch darkness utterly futile and dangerous.

Fully equipped parties will be waitting on the edge of the forest to start operations with the dawn. The blizzard of the last few days had abated, and the weather is clear and bright, but very cold, with snow down to a low altitude, and the crash possibly occurred at an altitude of between 4000 and 5000 feet.

As soon as the light permits in the morning, aeroplanes will make a search.