INQUIRY ADJOURNED

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 105, 28 January 1943, Page 4

INQUIRY ADJOURNED

Plane Tragedy Off Westport (Bv Telpgr.iuli. -Press Asisoeintion.l HOKITIKA. January 2i. The Court of Inquiry into the plane (rnaedv off Westport was continued yesterday aflernoon. when the evidence ol I’ilot Baine, Captain Mercer and the ground engineer d’Arcy Orville Oppenshaw was taken. All the evidence tended to show that the machine was in good order when il left mi lhe journey. The silting was resumed Ihis morning. Captain Mercer, recalled, gave parlicuhrs of the search for lhe lost plane, the'reward offered ami the hnding ol the lost propeller. ... , , > • Squadron l.eader Hewitt, who has had considerable experience in flying machines oi the type lost, slated that m unlavourable weather loss of height could not be rc-iincd with only one engine operating, and with lhe Imteh open there would be a certain amount of drag. I'Tigiil Lieutenant Luekeridge staled tliat it wits not compulsory to carry hlel„.||S on a Hight ol' not more Ihiin 10 miles lo lhe sea. . The evidence concluded. Hie chairman intimated that as every possible endeavour was beuig made to salvage the plane llm inquiry would be adjourned lor I I days lo Wellmgimt.