AEROPLANE MISSING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 54, 3 February 1937, Page 10

AEROPLANE MISSING

FINDING AT INQUIRY. WANGANUI, Feb. 2. An adjourned inquiry into the landing of the ’plane ZK-ACH in the Kaimanawa Ranges, jjiloted by Wilfred Potaka, was concluded at Wanganui to-night, Mr A. S. Burgess, president of the Western Federated North Island Flying Clubs, presided, and also present were "Wing-Commander T. M. Wilkes (Director of Civil Aviation) and Mr R. C. Keane (inspector of aircraft accidents). After long evidence was heard from Potaka, Flight-Lieutenant lan Keith, pilot instructor to/the federation, Mr A. Salter, federation ground engineer, and Mr B. Ilnybittle, of Hawera, tho following decisions were reached:— (1) From the expert ground engineer’s report and official comprehensive examination of the engine in every detail it is perfectly clear that the engine was in a perfect airworthy condition prior to and after the landing, and that the condition of the engine did not contribute in any way to the landing. (2) That it is established that Potaka engaged tho machine to go from Wanganui to Palmerston North via Utiku, but that he exceeded the commission given to him by a federation official by flying beyond that point, therefore deliberately breaking the federation rules, which the commission views as a grave and serious offence.

(3) On evidence obtained from the pilot, it is impossible to arrive at the cause of the landing. (4) That Potaka be disqualified for 12 months and fined the cost of salvaging the machine.