FLYING MISHAP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23107, 5 February 1937, Page 6

FLYING MISHAP

FINDINGS AT INQUIRY

PILOT DISQUALIFIED The adjourned inquiry into the course of the forced landing of the Western Federated (N. 1.) Flying Club’s Moth aeroplane, ZK-ACH, in a river basin in the Kaimanawa Ranges on January 8 when piloted by Mr Wilson Potaka, a member of the Wanganui Aero Club, was held at Wanganui on Tuesday night. The findings of the commission were:— “ (1) That the engine was in a perfect airworthy condition; (2) that the pilot exceeded the permission given him by flying further than allowed, which the commission view as a serious offence; (3) that from the pilot’s evidence it was impossible to arrive at the cause or the landing; (4) that Mr Potaka be disqualified from flying for 12 months and be fined the cost of salvaging the aeroplane.”

Mr Wilson Potaka left Wanganui for Palmerston North early on Friday, January 8, accompanied by a passenger, Mr Tine Potaka, and late in the afternoon his machine was seen well off its course over Waiouru, on the main trunk line. The pilot made a forced landing in the basin of the Waihohonu Stream. After tramping 50 miles the two men reached the Desert road on the morning of January 12, and were taken by motor car to Taihape. The aeroplane, for which a search had been made, was located by Major L. M’Gaffin, of Palmerston North, earlier on the morning of January 12.