SEAPLANE CRASH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 429, 21 November 1930, Page 7

SEAPLANE CRASH

PILOT’S ERROR OF JUDGMENT. NO BLAME ATTACHED TO HIM. [Per Press Association.l WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. Finding *hat although an error of judgment was committed no blamo was attachable to tho pilot, has been re turned by the court of inquiry set up to investigate the accident to the New Zealand Air Force seaplane Fairey 111. which plunged into Waitomata Harbour near the Hobsonville aerodrome, Auckland, on October 29. The machine was piloted by Flight-Lieut. 8. Willingford and was undergoing a speed test with Corpora] H. Smith and A. G. Andrews on board in addition to the pilot. 11 suddenly plunged into the Hrbour carrying the three men 50 feet under the water. They had a remarkable escape, being brought- to the surface through the buoyancy of their safety jackets. The court of inquiry comprised Colonel J. E. Duigan (president), Major R. Miles and Flight Lieut. H. B. Burrell. Its finding, which was forwarded to the Minister of Defence, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe. to-day is as follows: The machine was tested before the flight in accordance with the Air Ministry regulations and was reported to be airworth--. A.n examination of the machine a r tho flight by SquadronLeader L. 3F. Isitt showed that the controls were working efficiently apart from such damage as was caused by the accident and subsequent immersion in the sea. The accident occurred in the course of a speed test carried out by Pilot Wallingford which was within the scope of his duties as a service pilot. The accident was caused through an error of judgment on the part of Flight-Lieut. Wallingford. No blame is attachable to the pilot or any other person in connection with the accident.

In spite of the fact that two final sections of the finding appear contradictory they, arc not as conflicting as appears at first sight. No statement was made in releasing the finding but it is understood that in accordance with ths unofficial statement made some time ago a service pilot who is carrying out tests is entitled to take risks which pilots would not otherwise be waranted to take. In view of that the pilot may commit an error of judgment but still not be culpable in the ordinary sense.