MISSING PLANE FOUND

Chronicle (Levin), 30 October 1947, Page 5

MISSING PLANE FOUND

Press AssQciationj

Safe Landmg On Isolated ■" " Beach

(Per

WELLINGTON, Oct. 30. Tlie Percival Proctor aircraft piloved by Mr. C. W. Hewitt, which x'ailed to return from Big Bay, on che West Coast of the South fsland, yesterday has been located. A Hudson search aircraft sighted the Proctor on the beach at Big Bay shortiy after 7 a.m. this morning. From the air it appeared to have suifered no damage, but a light aircraft will land at Big Bay this afternoon to assist in whatever difflcuicy has delayed the pilot. An air search was made neces« sary by the lack of comniunication. between Big Bay and ocher centres m the South Island. A message from Christchurch says that this morning four people were seen walldng rouhd the monoplane and they waved to the Hudy son air rescue aircraft, which was sent from Wigram to search for Jie missing piane, and which was piioted by Flight-Lieutenant D. F. Neville and wi-h Flight-Lieutenant M. J. Morell and Flying-Officer C. H. McKay as other members of the crew. Tne Hudson left Wigram qt 4.45 a.m. today. The weather was bad until the Alps were reached, but uhe Hudson managed to get above it. The weather was fine down the West Coast and at Big Bay, which the Hudson reached at 7.6 a.m., the Percival Proctor was on the usual landing area on the beach. At Big Bay the Hudson cireled low over the area, and from the gestures of men near the aircraft below FlightLieulenaiit- Neville and his crew garhered that there was 110. cauSe ior anxiety. The percival Proctor seemed to be 111 good order and undamaged from all appearances. It seemed that the Percival Proctor had made a routine landing, so the Hudson mrned for home and was back in Wigram by 8.30 a.m.