AEROPLANE CRASHES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18380, 21 April 1923, Page 12

AEROPLANE CRASHES.

NEW YORK ACCIDENT. : NARRATIVE OF SURVIVOR. An aeroplane crashed recently in Brooklyn, New York,' killing Lieutenant Stanley Smith and injuring five others. One of the latter, Private Rochette, subsequently told of their experience. "We were flying smoothly at a little above 2000 ft.," said Private Rochette, "when without warning there was a tremendous vibration. The plane quivered from end to end like a huge animal shaking itself. Instantly a dense cloud of smoke spurted out, and the vibration stopped. The left wing drooped and the 'plane began settling to earth at irregular intervals. > It seemed as though the 'plane would drop suddenly several hundred feet, then hang a moment and go down again. U; ; ; "Just before we struck some one called out 'Look out for fire.' When we struck, Private McDonald kicked his way out of the door and I followed him. Together we pulled Private Naughton out* He was dazed. Private Jamiello, who was in the observer's seat, had been thrown clear, and I saw him rising slowly from where he had fallen. "We all jumped at the machine "and tried to get Major Bradley out. He was buried in wreckage from the chest down and his hands were still clutching the steering gear. We hauled him out, after. taking off his boot, and as we Eulled him clear he said something about is legs hurting, then told us not to bother, but to find Lieut. Smith. "The Major propping his head up on one elbow, directed us in the attempt to rescue Lieut. Smith, who was partly buried under the motor. We could do little, however, we were so shocked and daze'd by our own hurts, until Patrolman Albert Douglas and several civilians arrived."

The body of Lieut. Smith was taken to Hempstead. Major W. R. Weaver, in command at Mitchel Field, said: "Lieut. Smith gave his life in a gallant and successful effort to save the lives of others. That ho and Major Bradley gave first thought to the safety of those on the ground, and that they faced death with superb coolness and courage, is now a matter of rec&rd."