AEROPLANE MISHAP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 77, 28 February 1939, Page 10

AEROPLANE MISHAP.

TAVO PILOTS INJURED

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 28.

Two pilots who were undergoing instructions by the Auckland club were injured when their Do Haviliand Gipsy Moth ’plane crashed in an open field about two miles west of Alangere Aerodrome about 9.30 o’clock this morning. They are: G. K. Larney, a memlier of the Canterbury Aoro Club, and Robert H. Hesketh. a member of the Auckland Club. Both were sent to hospital and are to undergo an-X----ray examination. It is believed that their injuries are not serious. The two pilots were practising forced landings, which is a routine part of a pilot’s activities, and they chose an open field on a farm over which to go through the movements of landing without actually coming down to the ground. While turning at an altitude of between 100 ft. and 200 ft. the ’plane got out of control, tending to develop a spin and struck the side of a hummock. The engine hit the ground, and the machine bounded hack a few yards, smashing the engine housing and the right wing, and buckling the. undercarriage. Mr Larney, who was in'the cockpit, climbed out" of the ’plane and assisted Mr Hesketh, who had been at the controls, on to the ground. Farmers came running from all directions, but little was required of them except a summons for an ambulance.