AIR INQUIRY OPENED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 23 June 1943, Page 2

AIR INQUIRY OPENED

SYDNEY-AUCKLAND FLIGHT j EVIDENCE ON OIL LEAKAGE . Auckland, June 22. An inquiry for the purpose of investigating an accident or a suspected accident to an aircraft on 14th April during a flight from Sydney to Auckland was opened in the Magistrate’s Court this morning. Mr W. F. Stilwell, S.M. presided and associated as members of the board of inquiry were Wing Commander G. B. Bolt and Wing Com mander H B. Burrell. The Crown Solicitor, Mr V. R. Meredith, and Dr N. A. Foden appeared for the Air Department, and Mr A. H. Johnstone, K.C., represented Tasman Empire Air°*cers of tha company who might be affected by the evidence. Mr . , A - Sexton represented four technical employees of the company Mr Meredith said the Court'had to consider what was the cause of the trouble whether it was wholly ignition failure, or was due to an oil leak whether any blame was attachable to anyone, who they were, and what recommendations could be made to prevent similar incidents in the future Evidence was given by the commander of the aircraft, Captain K. A. Brownjohn, that a signal was sent to the company referring to the oil leakage. Due to an oversight, there was no reference to this in his report To Mr Meredith, he admitted that when he got back to Auckland there was a discussion with the officials about the accident, and probably the oil trouble was mentioned. Replying to Mr Johnstone, witness said that after leaving Sydney on 14th April the aircraft encountered heavy rain, which lasted two and a half hours. Witness was aware of the leak, which was never extensive, about two hours after leaving Sydney. He did not deliberately refrain from referring to it in his report. It was recorded in the flight folio. The amount of oil leakage was so small that it was considered to be due to a leaky joint, and a certain amount of oil could be allowed for. He thought this had nothing to do with the trouble. After further evidence the hearing i was adjourned until to-morrow.—P.A.