BOARD OF INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 99, 21 January 1943, Page 4

BOARD OF INQUIRY

Accident To West Coast Airliner The appointment of a board of inquiry to investigate and report on the accident to the twin-engine De Havilland Dragonfly aircraft of Air Travel (New Zealand), Ltd., who descended on the sea four miles off shore from Westport on December 21, after losing its starboard propeller, was announced yesterday by the Minister of Defence, Air. Jones. The four passengers lost'their lives. The members of the board are Air. W. F. Stilwell. S.M.. Wellington (chairman), Squadron Leader G. B. Bolt, R.N.Z.A.F., Hobsonville, and Squadron Leader R. J. 11. Alakgill, R.N.Z.A.F. (seconded to Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd.). The Minister said that under the Air Navigation Regulations the board was charged with the duty of establishing the cause of and responsibility for the accident, and, where necessary, of making such observations and recommendations from the evidence tended at the inquiry as it deemed a view to the preservation of life and the avoidance of similar accidents in the future. "The members of the board,” added Air. Jones, "have been selected in view of their experience amt qualifications to deal with any technical evidence which may be brought before it.” The board will begin its sittings in Hokitika on Tuesday, January 26.