Two Killed, Two Injured In Aircraft Crash

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 211, 6 September 1944, Page 4

Two Killed, Two Injured In Aircraft Crash

TRAGEDY ON SLOPES OP EGMONT (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 5. When an aircraft of the R.N.Z.A.F. crashed on the slopes of Mount Egmont yesterday afternoon two members of tho crew lost their lives and two were injured. Killed: Flight Sergeant John Paterson Cummins; mother, Mrs. S. H. Cummins, Wellington. Sergeant Maurice Roy Haycock; wife, Mrs. G. M. Haycock, Nelson. Injured: Sergeant Bruce Frederick Aslin Rough; mother, Mrs. D. Rough, Wellington. Flight Sergeant Alexander Frederick Peterson; wife, Mrs. A. F. Peterson, New Plymouth. Both Rough and Peterson were admitted to the New Plymouth Hospital, Rough suffering from injuries to his limbs and shock. When the aircraft crashed Peterson was able to oxtricate himself and with considerable difficulty reached Opunake and summoned assistance. He showed commendable courage and fortitude, tramping through seven mile* of dense bush in spite of his injuries to obtain help. Although search parties wore organised the approach of night hindered their efforts and the aircraft and its occupants were not located. The search continued throughout tho night, however, and at dawn to-day an aircraft also searching the area was able to confirm that ground parties had reached the wrecked aircraft.