AIR OFFICER DRUNK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 13

AIR OFFICER DRUNK.

CAUSE OF MAN'S DEATH. SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT. (Received August 2. 11.5 p.m.) Times Cable. LONDON, Aug 2. Flying-Oflicer Thomas was tried by court-martial and sentenced to one year's imprisonment for drunkenness while making an unauthorised landing between Ilenslow and Easlchurch on May 3. The evidence showed that he landed at [fendon, consumed liquor, and crashed after liis departure Aircraftsman Mason limped out and was killed.

The court-martial which inquired into the circumstances ol liie crash at liarnet Hertfordshire, on M.iy j 3, in which An eraftman Mason, a was killed, was concluded at llen.ow aerodrome. l»i.tifoi(ishire. on .June 2X. liiroup-Captain R. G. M. Pink presided. Fiying-Olficer Denys Stanley 'ihonias, the pilot, was charged with flying in a manner likely to cause loss of life, with flying too low, making an unauthorised flight, and being intoxicated.

Flying-Ufficcrs Thompson, W. E. Sim mon-ls and H. J. Young, all of Hcndon, said I'Tying-Ollicer Thomas was sober when he left 1 fendon. Flying-Officer Youn" said it was possible that Thomas had fFrunk nine glasses of brown ale and one of gin at the mess. The4ourt found Flying-Officer Thomas not guilty on the charge of low flying. The sentence in the other three' charges has now been promulgated.