Rl0l Was Unsafe

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 419, 10 November 1930, Page 7

Rl0l Was Unsafe

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUIRY CONDITION ON LAST FLIGHT [ British Official Wireless. ] Received Nov. 9, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, Nov 8. Before the inquiry into the loss of RlOl resumed at Westminster, a demonstration by means of the model, oi the position of the gasbags and the wiring used in the ill-fated airship, was given in a room below the Court by Air Ministry experts. Sir John Simon, who | has been presiding over the Court with two assessors, Colonel Moure-Brabazon and Professor Ingles, was much interested in the demonstration. Two French Government aeronauti cal experts gave evidence at the inquiry. Both expressed tho opinionhaving examined the wreckage, that no rupture occurred in the structure before the airship struck the ground. Most of the day’s proceedings were concerned with the condition of RlOl’s gasbags and the possibility of a leakage causing loss of lift. Letters from Colonel Richmond (designer) and Mr McWade, of the Cardington inspection department, were produced referring to the holes which occurred in the fabric during the June flight. Commander Irwin, commanding RlOl, reported on July 1 that the ship was heavy in handling and referred to the possibility of a loss of gas. In connection with his report, Colonel Richmond wrote to Major Scott (Director of Airship Development) calculating that the loss of lift worked out at about a ton per square inch of opening in 12 hours, and asking for particulars of any holes found from time to time by the crew. Mr Me Wade also wrote to the Air Ministry regarding the chafing of the gasbags against nuts or bolts which, despite padding, showed holes. He stated that until the matter was remedied he could not recommend the issue of a further permit to fly. Mr McWade, giving evidence to-day, , said that although before RlOl set oft for India the padding was quite satisfactory, the gasbags still were weighted against the longitudinals and the points of fouling remained. Asked by Sir John Simon if he would have granted a certificate of airworthiness for RlOl before her last flight, Mr McWade replied: “I am afraid I w’ould not have done so.”