MISSING PLANE IS BELIEVED LOST IN THE RUAHINE RANGES

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 December 1948, Page 5

MISSING PLANE IS BELIEVED LOST IN THE RUAHINE RANGES

WELLINGTON, Last Night (PA).— The missing Oxford aircraft, overdue at Ohakea on a flight from Napier, lu.-a seen near Norsewood, on the eastern side of the Ruahine Range, about 3.43 p.m. It is believed to be lost in the range, which was covered with heavy cloud in the late afternoon. Pilots stated that turbulence and air pockets have been particularly prevalent today, taused by high westerly wind. Peaks in the Ruahines between Norsewood or Makaretu, and the next settlement m the line ot flight across the range, Apiti, reach 5000 ft. There are several in the plane’s projected course. Settlers reported a cold snap in the high country west of Makaretu tonight, with 'the possibility of snow in the ranges. The weather between Napier and Palmerston North while the plane was flying was fairly good, said officials of the Wellington weather office tonight. Westerly winds, at speeds varying from 30 to 40 miles an hour, would cause turbulence in the Ruahine Range over which the plane would pass on its flight. Scattered cumulus cloud would be encountered. Reports of the aircraft suggest it may have had engine trouble. The Oxford was seen between Tikikino and Waipawa at 3.20 p.m., and at Makar’etu shortly afterwards. Residents who telephoned the air search centre, Wellington, in response to a radio appeal for information, said they had heard the engines spluttering. After leaving Napier th'e plane should have flown over Whakarara ranges, then west of Kimbolton, across the Arawa River and over Halcombe to Ohakea. (Earlier message on page 4).