AERODROME ACCIDENT

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12094, 23 March 1925, Page 6

AERODROME ACCIDENT

MACHINE SIDE-SLIP. MARTON PILOT INJURED. CHRISTCHURCH, March 21. Side-slipping from a height of sixty feet just after taking off at the Wigram aerodrome this morning, an Avro machine fell to the ground, injuring the occupant, W. Withell, a service pilot, who was undergoing a refresher oourse. The accident happened about 9-45 a.m. When the side slip occurred, Withell had not risen high enough to correct it before the machine struck the ground. The pilot was not thrown from the cockpit, and so escaped moresevere injuries. The conditions for flying were good. When the machine struck the ground, the force of the impact crumpled the undercarriage and other damage. As the machine is one that has completed its normal life of flying, it is unlikely, that iepairs will be undertaken. Withell ifl a single man and resides at Marton. Although he was sent to the hospital, his injuries are considered to be slight, and it is not necessary for him. to, remain at the institution. He was sent to the hospital only because there were no facilities at the aerodrome for treating the case. He was dazed after the accident, but it was not long before he was able to walk about again. A court of inquiry will be held to investigate the accident. Officers at the ground to-day would express no opinion as to the cause, of the sidesup.