AEROPLANE TRAGEDY

Wairarapa Daily Times, 21 February 1935, Page 3

AEROPLANE TRAGEDY

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST. CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. Warm praise for the efforts made by Cecil Haigli to rescue his companion, Richard Noel Eoako, when an aeroplane in -which they were flying from Blenheim to Christchurch fell into the sea at Waipara on 19th January was expressed by the Coroner (Mr 11. P. Lowry) at the conclusion to-day of the inquest into the death of Roake. A verdict of accidental death by drowning was returned, the Coroner remarking that there appeared to be no cause for comment on Roake’s piloting of the machine, that it was apparent that every reasonable safety precaution had been taken and that the flying regulations had been complied with. “I should not let this opportunity pass without emphasising the praise that is due to Haigli for the long-sustained and gallant efforts he made in his endeavour to get his companion ashore and the prolonged search for help he subsequently made,” said Mr Lowry, after announcing the verdict. “The evidence shows that Haigh was continuously occupied in this task for twelve hours, with very little rest and one cannot speak too highly of the efforts he made in such very trying circumstances.”

The only evidence on how the accident occurred was that of Cevil Herbert Haigli, manager of the Majestic Theatre, Christchurch, who was in the aeroplane as a passenger with Roake. On 19th Januarj’, said witness, he accompanied Roake in an Aero Club machine to Blenheim. The trip north was made without incident. They left Blenheim on the return at 12.40 p.m., having received a report from Christchurch that the weather was favourable. Near Motunau Island visibility was obscured by mist. Roake was following the coastline and in order to see the breaking surf had come down to 400 or 500 feet. They both knew there was a headland in front and were looking out for it. Witness did not see it but apparently Roake did for he suddenly turned the machine sharp to the left. The machine was so close to the headland that Roake had to execute a stall turn, with the wings at right angles to the ground. The turn was completed and the pilot zoomed down with an open throttle. At the moment witness expected the machine to lift again they were in the sea. The machine was floating upside down. Witness unfastened the safety belt. Roake was hanging from his belt conscious trying to unfasten the belt. Roake lost consciousness before Haigli succeeded in releasing him. Witness got him to the surface, where he revived after 30 seconds. They held on to the machine and both took off their overcoats. The machine was sinking fast. Witness swam off and recovered the landing wheels which were floating 30 feet away. Roake and he, holding the wheels, struck out for the shore but made little progress. Roake said he would have a rest and then Swim for it. After a rest of three minutes Roake made for a rock 50 yards off shore. He reached it and was resting in the water with a hand on the rock when a big wave flooded the rock and Roake disappeared. Witness went to his assistance, brought him to the surface and eventually ashore. Witness tried to revive him but failed and then went for assistance. In witness’s opinion Roake was dead when brought ashore. —(P.A.).- ‘‘