FATAL CRASH AT WIGRAM

Southland Times, Issue 23828, 27 May 1939, Page 8

FATAL CRASH AT WIGRAM

Inquest On Members Of Air Force FORMAL VERDICTS RETURNED (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, May 26. Formal verdicts were returned by the Coroner (Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M.), after hearing evidence on the aeroplane at Sockburn on May 11 which resulted in the deaths of three members oft*] 6 Royal New Zealand Air Force. The official inquiry had been held and only three witnesses —two doctors and an Air Force officer —were heard at the inquest today. The deaths were due, in the opinion of the .doctor/ to burns associated with other injuries. In each case the cause of death was given in terms of medical evidence, the injuries being found to have been suffered when the VickersVildebeest aircraft in which the men were flying struck a tree in the vicinity of the aerodrome, crashed to the ground and burst into flames. The men were: Pilot Officer Reginald James Mcßorie, Pilot Officer William Frederick Dawson, and Leading Aircraftsman George Henry West. ~ , . ■ Doctor Robinson E. Hall said that ne examined Mcßorie, who had a compound fracture of both bones of the lower left leg and severe burns over the whole of the body. In his opinion death was due to shock following an extensive fracture of the lower left leg, and severe and extensive burns over the whole of the body. Death was almost instantaneous.

Dr Lindsay MacDougall, house surgeon at the Christchurch Public Hospital, said that he examined West at 8.25 p.m. on May 11. West was suffering from severe shock and extensive second degree burns. They involved both arms and the whole of the face and neck. His condition improved and he was treated for burns, but after rallying somewhat he relapsed and died at 5.10 p.m. on May 15. In the witness’s opinon death was due to shock resulting from burns. His injuries were consistent with the aeroplane crash. Dawson died at 1 a.m. on May 12, said Dr MacDougall. He had extensive burns to both legs, his back and both arms and his face. His upper lip had been cut and his upper teeth dislodged. Death was due to shock resulting from severe burns, and his injuries were consistent with an aeroplane crash. Flight Lieutenant Ronald Joseph Cohen said about 7.30 p.m. on May 11 he was on duty at Wigram when a flight was made by Mcßorie, Dawson and West. Dawson was in charge of the machine as instructor, and was giving dual instruction to Mcßorie, and West was gaining air experience. The machine, a Vickers Vildebeest, was examined by the ground staff before the flight and found serviceable. The men made several landings and were in the act of returning to the ground about 8.15 p.m. when the machine struck a tree just outside the south-west side of the aerodrome. Ambulance and other assistance went to the spot at once and arrived within a minute. An official inquiry was held at Wigram on May 15. “Have you anything to add?” asked the Coroner.

“Only that we are extremely sorry for the relations,” replied the witness. “However, these things have to be faced.”