SALVAGE OF BAGGAGE AND PLANE PARTS

Chronicle (Levin), 3 November 1948, Page 5

SALVAGE OF BAGGAGE AND PLANE PARTS

Press Association)

(Per

WELLINGTON, Nov. 2. The heavy baggage of the passengers in. the ill-fated airliner Kaka, is still in the wreekage on Mt. Ruapehu. An official of National Airways Oorporation in Palmerston North, said„ it' was not known when the baggage or heavy parts of the Kaka would be brought down from the scene of the crash. The police and local guides tired themselves out last weekend, he said. The conditions on the ica- slopes are dangerous and the return of the baggage will be considered later when conditions are less hazardous. The salvaging of valuable parts of the airliner was still under djscussion by the corporation's engineers. The plane was so badly wrecked, even the engines being severelv damaged, that it might not be worth while salvaging tlie heavy parts. The inaceessible area in which the plane crashed, must also be taken into consideration. Snow on the moimtain was less during the summer and this would ease the conditions for the removal of parts of the plane. There would be considerable risk of loss of life or injury if an attempt were made to remove the parts at present. Most of the passengers' personal belongings had been removed from the Kaka- with the bodies, said the official, Much had been lost in the snow, however.