PILOT'S DEATH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23413, 31 January 1938, Page 8

PILOT'S DEATH

AIR FORCE ACCIDENT

STRUCTURE OF PLANE BREAKS

FORMER BALCLUTHA RESIDENT

(United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON, Jan. 29.

(Received Jan. 30, at 7.30 p.m.)

At the inquest into the death of Pilot-officer A. N. Macfarlane, eyewitnesses of the accident gave evidence that they saw the plane loop three times, after which they heard a crack that suggested that something had broken. Pieces dropped from the plane. Squadron-leader Tindall gave evidence that the bomber Macfarlane was using was too heavy to be looped at high speed, as there was a danger of the structure breaking.

A verdict of accidental death was returned.

A message published on Saturday stated:—Saved by a parachute from hurtling to earth from a crashing aeroplane, near Boston, Lincolnshire, Pilot-officer A. N. Macfarlane, of the Royal Air Force, after floating four miles, landed safety, but collapsed and died after walking a few steps. Possibly, he was hit by the plane as he dived for his life. CAREER OF VICTIM HOME AT BALCLUTHA ? Pilot-officer A. N. Macfarlane was the third son of Mr and Mrs W. Macfarlane, of Rosebank, Balclutha. He was 25 years of age, and left his father’s estate at Upper Clydevale a little over two years ago to join the Royal Air Force. After completing his period of training, he was promoted to the rank of pilot-officer, and was looked upon as having a promising career before him. This is the second son that Mr and Mrs Macfarlane have lost under tragic circumstances* and much sympathy is felt for them throughout the district.