Plane’s Fatal Crash On Barrier

Northern Advocate, 18 March 1939, Page 11

Plane’s Fatal Crash On Barrier

I Sporhil in ''Northern A dvocate"] AUCKLAND, This Day.

A passenger was killed and the pilot seriously injured when a plane belonging to the Auckland Aero Club crashed on the Great Barrier Island yesterday afternoon. The occupants were; KILLED. Mr W. H. Claris, single, a Public Works . engineer, engaged in the construction of an aerodrome at Great Barrier. He is believed to have relatives in Wellington. INJURED. Mr E. M. Walker, of Auckland, aged 33. He suffered a compound fracture of the right ankle, a fracture of the upper portion of the right leg, and injuries to the face. His condition last night was fairly serious.

A Tragic Trip.

According to onlookers, the engine of the plane, which Was a Miles Magpilot could recover control the maister, seemed to fail. Before the chine struck the ground. Mr Claris’s 1 death must have been instantaneous. The accident happened at about 1.50 p.m. Mr Walker had set off from the Mangero Aerodrome at 9.5 Win. and called at Tauranga. On his [way back to Auckland he decided to visit the Great Barrier.

He picked up Mr Claris, apparently to take him for a trip, but whether the crash occurred shortly after the machine took off, or on the return journey is uncertain, as Mr Walker Was too badly hurt afterwards to make any statement. Arrangements were made after the accident for the amphibian from H.M.S. Leander to fly. to the island to take the injured pilot to the Auckland Hospital. A doctor was also taken on the trip.