AIRCRAFT IN TROUBLE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18497, 19 February 1930, Page 9

AIRCRAFT IN TROUBLE

EFFORTS OF RELIEF AEROPLANE (United Press Association—By Electric Teiegrapn—Copyright.) (Received February 18, 6.58 p.m.) LONDON, February 18. How a relief aeroplane was sent up to extricate the pilot of an ungovernable dual control machine, from a dilemma, was described at the inquest on Pilot-Sergeant Cecil Fell, who was killed after jumping near Kenley aerodrome. Flight-Lieutenant Charles Trunch said that Squadron-Leader Baker, and other officers on the ground, saw Pilot Sergeant Fell flying in circles in serious difficulty, because the dual controls were jammed. Baker told Trunch to get alongside and signal to Fell to fly upside down and try and dislodge the obstacle. When Trunch got there, he saw the rear controls were jammed. Fell tried to turn over, but the jammed controls prevented him. Trunch then signalled to try looping the loop. Fell replying indicated that he intended to jump with a parachute. He signalled the Sergeant to follow him, and took him to 6000 ft over Epsom Downs, which would make the parachute descent safer. Fell suddenly dived to 2000 ft. apparently In full control of the machine, then again met trouble. He jumped but forgot to pull the release cord, consequently the parachute did not open. Experts are of opinion that the parachute in the rear seat was insecurely fastened, and prevented the dual control working fully.