Air Force Bomber Makes Forced Landing In Sea

Northern Advocate, 15 December 1939, Page 6

Air Force Bomber Makes Forced Landing In Sea

[Per Press Association. Copyright ] WELLINGTON, This Day.

As the result of engine trouble an Air Force Baffin bomber, one of three engaged in a flight across Cook Strait, made a forced landing in the sea in Island Bay yesterday afternoon. Pilot-Officer 'S. C. White, of Woodburn aerodrome, the only occupant of the machine, was unhurt, and did not even get wet.

The engine of the machine failed off Palmer Head, but picked up temporarily. - Down Two Miles From Shore.

The pilot turned to go to Rongotai, where the machine circled a short time before without landing, but the motor failed at a height of about 500 feet, too low to enable the aeroplane to glide either to the aerodrome or the beach.

Residents of Island Bay stated that the bomber came down two miles from the shore.

At an early stage the machine turned turtle, and at least an hour was occupied in bringing it to within 400 yards of the beach. \ Endeavours were then made to bring the tail over so that the bomber could be hauled in on her wheels, and considerable damage was done in the process.

Several attempts were necessary before the machine was brought ashore. Tail Torn Away. While the salvage party was working, the tail of the bomber was torn away. When Pilot-Officer White arrived back on the beach to watch the salvage operations, the main rope broke and the end of it . struck him in an eye. Pilot-Officer White was at one time a member of the Royal Air Force, and flew his own Moth from England to Australia.

He joined the Territorial Air Force shortly before war was declared.