FLYING MISHAP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23620, 2 April 1940, Page 6

FLYING MISHAP

AMBULANCE AEROPLANE DAMAGE ON LANDING STOCK ON THE FIELD , PILOT ESCAPES INJURY [BY TELEGRAPH— OWN CORUESPONDiWT] OPOTIKI, Monday A mishap when landing this afternoon occurred to the Beechcraft ambulance aeroplane which was flown to Opotiki f:rom Auckland to take a patient from the Opotiki Hospital to the Cook Hospital, Gisborne. * When the machine arrived over the Opotiki aerodrome at about 4.45 p.m. the landing field was dotted with sheep and cattle. It. is stated that the caretaker had not been informed of the expected arrival of the aeroplane and no one w;i,s present to clear a runway. After diving over the field several times the pilot turned the machine to land in a. fairly restricted area in the north-western corner. After running; some distance the .machine was swung round and the brakes applied However, a fresh growth of grass made the surface very soft and slippery and tho aeroplane headed toward the fence alongside the Terere Pa. Dive Into Ditch The machine was travelling fairly slowly bit struck the fence, a post of which was broken off and the fence levelled for over a chain. The Beechcraft then swung round and'dived into a ditch about Bft. deep with 2ft. of water in the bottom. The left-hand lower wing came to rest in the ditch and was damaged. A hole was driven through the right-hand lower wing. The nose of the machine came tp rest under some small .willow trees on the outer bank. One of the propeller blades was bent. Passenger Waiting at Aerodrome It was difficult to ascertain what damage was done to the undercarriage, the landing wheels being just above the water., but it was not considered to be extensive. However, it will be necessary to send the machine back to Hobsonville bv truck. The pilot, wlio is a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, escaped injury. A guard has been placed over the aeroplane for the night. The intending passenger was waiting at the aerodrome for the arrival of the Beechcraft. Other arrangements will have to be made to take him to, Gisborne to-morrow, by aeroplaii.e if possible.