AEROPLANE FATALITY.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18777, 27 October 1932, Page 8

AEROPLANE FATALITY.

15 FEET TOO LOW! THEORY REGARDING ACCIDENT. CRASHED INTO HILLTOP. WELLINGTON, Thursday. The theory generally held by officials of the aero club regarding the crash in which Messrs Gresser and King were killed is that the pilot turned back from Johnsonville shortly after 3.30 p.m. and continued north until he estimated that he was over the Porirua Harbour, and then turned seaward, seeking clearer conditions, but having misjudged the distance crashed into the hilltop. Only another 15ft. would have been necessary to have cleared the hill. It Is evident that the machine had flown straight into the hillside and had not fallen from above. MORBID CURIOSITY. SIGHTSEERS SECURE SOUVENIRS. (By Tciecraph.—Pres3 Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. News that the aeroplane piloted by Mr F. Gresser had been wrecked In hilly country overlooking Tawa Flat spread quickly this morning. Besides many residents of the locality a number of sightseers went from the city to undertake the steep climb to the scene. Several young married couples took children as young as three or four years with them. One souvenir collector carried away almost sufficient trophies to stock a curiosity shop. Assorted articles bulged his pockets, his arms held an aileron, still covered with fabric, and two or three interplane struts and other souvenirs. Another secured the magneto from the engine and a third took one of the cockpit shutters. Another man, intensely proud of his acquisition, gathered In a small case of foldng maps, formerly fastened inside the cockpit. Fully 80 par cent, of the people who reached the machine took away some ■self-selected reward for their journey, and it was a much souvenir tattered machine they left behind. Aero olub officials salvaged the, engine and odds and ends and burned the remainder.

A STATEMENT DENIED. SOUVENIR HUNTERS NOT ACTIVE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. A strong denial of the report that souvenir hunters were active at the wreckage of the wrecked aeroplane was given by the secretary of the Wellington Aero Club, Mr A. W. Nisbet, who said that local residents far from causing trouble In this respect, did everything possible to assist FlightLieutenant Bolt. They salvaged everything of value, and gave away some useless pieces of fabric and burned the remainder. The value of the plane is estimated at £550. It was uninsured. Mr Nisbet paid a tribute to the Director of Air Services, who remained on duty till 2 a.m. yesterday organising the search and leading the party which brought back the bodies.