AIR FORCE INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20716, 8 November 1930, Page 10

AIR FORCE INQUIRY.

CRASH OF SEAPLANE. AUCKLAND HARBOUR MISHAP. FINDING SENT TO WELLINGTON, An inquiry into the crash of the New Zealand Air Force seaplane Fairey 111., which plunged into the harbour on October 29, when engaged on an air speed test, was held at the Hobsonville Air Base yesterday. The Court consisted of Lieutenant-Colonel ,T. E. Duigan 8 D.5.0., of the Northern Military Comnland, who acted as chairman, Major R. Miles, D.5.0., and Flight-Lieutenant 11. B. Burrell, flying instructor at the Wigram Aerodrome, Sock burn. After evidence had been taken, FlightLieutenant Burrell left on his return to Christchurch. The finding of the Court is being forwarded to the officer commanding the New Zealand Forces, MajorGeneral R. Young, who is expected to make known the verdict next week. The accident occurred about a mile from the Air Base, the seaplane diving under the water while flying about 30ft. above the surface. The occupants, Flight-Lieu-tenant S. Wallingford, who was piloting the machine, Corporal H. Smith and Mr. A. G. Andrews, aircraftsman apprentice, were carried 60ft. under the water and had a miraculous escape from death by drowning.