A FATAL CRASH

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 32, 30 January 1933, Page 5

A FATAL CRASH

Result of ’Plane’s Nose Dive

YOUTHFUL PASSENGER’S DEATH

PILOT SUFFERS CONCUSSION (Per Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Sunday. A fatal aeroplane crash, occurred at Pihama, a few miles south of Opunake, at 4.30 p.m. to-day, when Mr. Guy Putt, aged 18, a passenger in a Western Federated Flying Club machine, piloted by Mr. Brian Davies, of Hawera, was killed instantly. Davies 'suffered concussion and the machine was extensively damaged. According to a resident, Mr. E. S. Forsyth, who saw the crash, the plane! stalled in a turn and, with its flying speed lost, nose-dived from an altitude of about 200 feet. f When Mr. Forsyth arrived at the scene he found the plane vertical, with its nose in the ground. Both were were thrown forward, Mr. Putt's head striking the engine. Mr. Davies was extricated from the back seat with great difficulty and taken to the Hawera Hospital.

Prior to taking Mr. Putt aloft, Mr. Davies made a perfect landing at the Hawera aerodrome at the conclusion of another passenger flight, and the engine appeared to be functioning splendidly. Mr. Putt was the second son of Mr and Mrs. E. R. Putt, of Otakeko and was well-known in the district. Davies received an endorsement permitting him to carry passengers from Squadron-Leader T. M. Wilkes when Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith was in New Plymouth recently, and has made half a dozen passenger flights.