DISASTER IN CHANNEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20309, 17 July 1929, Page 11

DISASTER IN CHANNEL.

LOSS OF AN AIR LINER.

FINDING OF THE COURT.

PRECAUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Australian Press Association—United Serviro LONDON, July 15.

Tho report of tho Court of Inquiry which investigated tlio loss of tho air liner City of Ottawa in tho Channel says the, primary cause of tho flisastor was tho fracture of the big-end studs. That could not have beoi foreseen.

Tho report says the makers of tho engino deserve praise for tho precautions adopted to test such parts.

The only chanco of the air liner reaching (he land was to open out tho other engine. Tho pilot, was not blameworthy. Tho Court recommends that the Air Ministry shall require tho pilots of pas-senger-carrying planes to start crossing tho Channel with sufficient height to render a safo crossing a reasonable certainly.

The passengers on tho City of Ottawa were riot properly instructed in tho uso of tho lifebelts. Investigations might bo mado with a view to devising a lifebelt that, could bo inflated inside the cabin. Nevertheless, there was no evidence that life was lost through the defective condition of the belts, or design, or the inadequate instruction given to the passengers.

Finally, says tho report, after June, 1930, certificates should bo refused for land machines to carry passengers over tho sea, if they cannot maintain height with a full load when one engine fails.