MANGERE AIR DISASTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23034, 11 May 1938, Page 14

MANGERE AIR DISASTER

Profound sympathy with all concerned is evoked by the air-liner disaster near the Mangere aerodrome yesterday. To the bereaved relatives of Commander Duthie and Second-Officer Peel this sympathy is particularly extended. In all such tragedies it is the loss of human life that makes sharpest and most lasting impact upon thought and feeling. Even to think of useful careers so suddenly cut off is inexpressibly sad. Both pilot and co-pilot were valuable officers of Union Airways, one a senior of long-proved ability, the other fast qualifying for further promotion; they will be greatly missed. Only after expert inquiry can a decisive opinion be formed as to the cause of the disaster, but there is some comfort in the testimony of skilled onlookers that, when trouble was impending, courage was not lost—a skilful and brave effort was made to steer the liner away from danger. The fine traditions of the air were honoured. With Union Airways also sympathy is felt. This air-transport company has an excellent name for attention to safety, and there is no call for hasty word of blame or apprehension. Its loss, especially by the death of two capable pilots and' only less by the destruction of f a costly machine, is serious. It retains the good wishes of the community, coupled with a confidence that this first catastrophe befalling one of its airliners will remain a rare instance of so grave a mishap.