PILOT DISQUALIFIED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 17, 4 February 1937, Page 3

PILOT DISQUALIFIED

-Press AasociaVioa.)

Mishap in Kaimanawa Ranges

(By Telegraph-

WANGANUI, Feb. 2. An adjqurned inquiry into the landing of the aeroplane ZK-ACH in tlio Kaimanawa ranges, piloted by Wxlfrod Potaka, was coneluded at Wanganni toaight, Mr. A. S. Burgess, presfdent of the Western Federated North Island Flying Clubs, presided, and also present were Wihg-Commander T. M. Wilkes, Direetor. of Givxl Aviation, ancl Mr. R. C. Keane, inspector of aircraf'l aceidents. . . ' , j Afttr long evidence was heard froa Potaka; Flight-Lieutenant Ian Keitb ■ pilot instrixetor fo the federation, Mr A. Salter, federation ground cngincer and Mr. B. Haybittle, Hawera, the fo! lowing decisions were reached:-^ . (1) From the expert ground engifi eer's report and official comprehensiv examination of tlie engine in every dc tail, it is perfectly clear that' the. en gine was in a perfectly airworthy con dition prior to and after landing and that the condition of the engine did not contribute in any way to the land ing. . (2) That it is established that Po taka engaged the. machine to go from Wanganui, to Palmerston North, via Utiku, "but that he exceeded the com mission given him by a federation ofii cial by flying beyond that point, there fore deliberately breaking the federa tion rules which the commission views as a grave and serious offence. (3) On evidence ohtained from the pilot, it is impossible to arrive at the cause of the landing. (4) That Potaka be disqualified for 12 months and fined the cost of salvaging the machine. ; . 1. '