MILFORD FLYING TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1929, Page 2

MILFORD FLYING TRAGEDY

STARVED CARBURETTOR. OPINION OF EXAMINING ENGINEER. AUCKLAND, Dec. 26. “In my opinion the Milford flying tragedy was caused through the carburettor being starved of petrol, owing to a new pump that had been fitted failing to function properly.” This statement was made this morning by Air Anthony R. de Balfour, an engineer who, prior to the late Mr Goldsboro taking charge of the Dorriier Li belle flying-boat, which crashed at Milford, assisted to test out and adjust the engine, ' 'Mr de Balfour, during the inquiry into the tragedy,' was described as being formerly connected with the Austrian Air Force, but this is not a fact. He does not possess a pilot’s certificate, but, when he had completed his engineering studies, lie followed his calling in .a. few aeroplane factories on tlfe' Continent. Air de Balfour was not available to give evidence during the departmental inquiry in Auckland, but lie says that lie gave a written statement to the Department in Wellington, and that his statement was substantially the same as that given below. This is the first publication of his statement. “When the engine of the flying-boat failed to give saisfaction, I was invited by Captain Darkness to check it through, as the revolutions were too low in the air and on the ground,” a tided Air dc Balfour. “When I took the engine over, 1 was tohl that already a couple of mechanics and other people had looked at it, but bad been unable to effect any improvement or get more revolutions. 1 checked the valve clearance and found that it was absolutely wrong ■when compared with the test-sheet taken in. England, which .provided a clearance in the valves of omm. on the inlet side and 20mm. on the exhaust side. I took off the carburetter. which was in a dirty condition, and also the spark-plugs, which were carbonised. After conceding these defects according to the testsheet. I checked the magneto, which was working properly. The engine was then started up in the presence of Captain Ahum, and 1575 revolutions were produced in the shed. this meant that from 20 to 25 more revolutions would lie secured in the open air. The German log-book provided for 1620 revolutions on the ground, so actually I was about 20 revolutions short of the requisite number.”