EXAMINED BY EXPERTS

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1934, Page 7

EXAMINED BY EXPERTS

WRECKED PLANE IN RANGES

EVIDENCE OF A TERRIFIC SPEED.

PARTY HAS DIFFICULT JOURNEY.

PARTS OF THE MACHINE SALVAGED

Experts, examined the wreckage of the Western Federated Flying Clubs’ aeroplane ZK—ABS, which crashed in the foothills of Mount Egmont on Thursday. “I have never seen a machine so completely demolished by a crash,” remarked Flying-Officer lan Keith on Saturday, when interviewed by a Daily News reporter after the inspection. “To the layman there were few portions of the machine which are recognisable. It must have hit the ground at a terrific speed.” Although, until observations and evidence have been analysed, no decision can be come to as to what factor is most likely to have caused the accident, colour is lent to the theory that the pilot lost control at a high altitude by the complete demolition of the machine. Had engine trouble or fuel shortage been the cause the plane would have fallen among the trees at a comparatively slow speed and, while severe damage may have been caused, the demolition would not have been so tragically complete as it was.

The official examination on Saturday was made by Squadron-Leader L. M. Isitt, representing the Director of Air Services, Captain S. A. Gibbons, Wanganui, and Flying-Officer Keith. Every portion of the wreckage was carefully examined and its position noted. As far as possible the actual nature of the crash was reconstructed, the machine’s angle of flight and the points of impact noted. All instruments that could be found were examined, but several were missing, presumably carried away by searchers who will return them to aero club officials or to the police. Sufficient evidence was collected to permit the opening of an official inquiry into the accident, which will probably be held this week.

Parts of the body work and the engine were salvaged and carried out by the party to cars on Alfred Road. A start had been made from New Plymouth at 6.30 o’clock in the morning and the party, which officially comprised, in addition to those mentioned, Messrs. R. Syme, H. Lightband, W. Stanton, G. Boon, J. Pankhurst, I. Anderson, C. Turner and C. Parker, had a difficult journey through the rough country to. the scene of the crash. The cold was intense and rain and sleet fell throughout the morning, making the trail extremely muddy and slippery. The Kauauai River was in half flood and the men were forced to cross it waist deep in icy water. Fortunately the freshet had dropped by the time the party returned, heavily laden with salvage from the wreck. Re" 1 a to New Plymouth was made at about 5 o’clock. Members of the successful party of bushmen which located the plane on Friday morning speak highly of the part played in the search by Mr. George Burrows, whose accuracy of observation and knowledge of the difficult country, combined with that of his father, Mr. Robert Burrows, brought the search to so rapid a conclusion. Mr. O. Peters, who led a party of district residents in support of the investigation party on Saturday, also played a prominent part in the search, leading the second group of men on the scene.