New Zealanders Killed in Air Force Crash

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 66, 20 March 1935, Page 6

New Zealanders Killed in Air Force Crash

DISASTER DURING LESSON United Press Association.—By ElectricTelegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, March 18. Flying Officer George Edward Bullcn Nixon and acting Pilot Officer Colin Kirklcy, both New Zealanders, were killed while looping the loop. Pilot Officer Kirkley was undergoing instruction at the Digby Flying School, where Flying Officer Nixon was an instructor. The plane was soaring at "000 feet in an inverted position when, according to an eye-witness, portion broke off', and the plane plunged to earth, disintegrating as it fell. Flying Officer Nixon was found in the cockpit and Pilot Officer Kirkley six yards away. The latter had attempted to use a parachute, which was partly opened. The plane was scattered in a thousand pieces; the propeller was not found. Hawke’s Bay Club Pupil Per Press Association. HASTINGS, Last Night. Colin Kirkley was a son of Mr and Mrs C. Kirkley, of Duke street, Hastings. He left some time ago to join the Royal Air Force at Home. Kirkley was a prominent member of Hastings football teams. He gained his pilot’s license at the Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Club’s aerodrome, where he had been employed after leaving school. He resided for some time in the South Island.