THE FLYING TRAGEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20438, 14 December 1929, Page 12

THE FLYING TRAGEDY.

OPENING OF THE INQUEST.

SEPARATE EXPERT INQUIRY.

funerals this afternoon. ,

The inquest on Captain D. E. Harkness and Mr. C. F. Goldsbro, the victims of the flying-boat tragedy in Rangitoto Channel, off Milford Beach, on Thursday evening, was opened yesterday before Mr. F. K.. Hunt, S.M., coroner.

Dr. W. Gilmour, pathologist at Auckland Hospital, reported that although both men had sustained injuries death was probably duo to drowning. There were superficial burns on the arms. Before death, Captain Harknes3 had received two large cuts on the skull and injuries to the face, and Mr. Goldsbro had a fracture of the right leg, a fracture of the left ankle, and a fracture of the nose. The coroner will receive a report from Major L. M. lsitt, officer-in-charge of Hobsonville Air Base, before the inquest resumes. Early yesterday morning Major lsitt, with Captain S. Wallingford, of the Air Base, inspected the machine on Milford Beach. As far as could be ascertained the controls were effective. These two Air Force officers, with Flying-Officer 11. J. Copley, ground engineer for the Auckland Aero Club, will constitute a commission which will hold an inquiry into the fatality on Monday. This will be distinct from the coronial inquiry.

The wreckage was examined in a city garage yesterday afternoon, but no sign of scorching or any evidence of fire in the engine or petrol-tank could be detected.

Captain. Harkness will be accorded military honours at the funeral this afternoon. The service will be held in St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, at 2.50. Members of the Auckland Aero Club will attend, and flying at the Mangere aerodrome is suspended for the Captain Harkness was one of the club's most popular pilots and as a member of the committee he did a great deal to bring recruits to aviation.

Mr. Goldsbro's funeral will Igave Newmarket at two o'clock. Mr. Goldsbro was prominent in launching circles and for some time associated with the Eev. Jasper Calder in the running of a 35ft. cruising launch. The outboard motor-boat races, which were to ha\-e have been held on the Whau Creek this afternoon, have been postponed as a mark of respect.