R101 DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1930, Page 5

RlOl DISASTER

IMPORTANT STATEMENTS.

[United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

LONDON, October 29.

Sir W. Jo-welt said that Air Marshal Dawding, in view of the engine failure suggested there ought to be a full powered trial before the Indian flight, but Scott, Irwin and Colinoj-e, all experienced men, did not suggest its desirability as delaying the flight, all declaring that RlOl was more navigable after the insertion of the hag. Turning to the airship’s last hours lie pointed out that she reported at midnight that the altimeter monied 1500 feet. He believed when they sent out the final message before the crash, that she was at least 1100 feet. He did not believe that rain was a factor in live disaster, as the airship reported that she had began to rocov er the after ballast, which was unlikely if there had been a difficulty, owing to the envelope being over wet. It was revealed that on portion of the log recovered from the wreckage only a few unimportant figures could be deciphered. The Church, before his death made a statement that he had been ordered to : release half a ton of forward water ballast but she crashed before he carried out the order.

Jowitt added that experts found four wrist watches stopped at 2.9 a.m. When the watch changed at 2 a.m. the airship was on an even keel and nil the engines were running satisfactorily, after which she nose dived abnormally, momentarily regaining a horizontal, redived and crashed.

Jowitt said tests of the elevator wire cabled on October 28th., indicated that it parted after the fire. LONDON, October 29.

Concluding Sir W. Jewitt said the four main conclusions of the investiga-

tions were: — Firstly, no part of the structure broke in the air. Secondly, the impact occurred while the airship was inclined in a nose dive. Thirdly, the elevation control was found at fully upward for the rudder amidships. Fourthly, there Was no violent explosion. LONDON, Oct. 30. In R.lOl inquiry, .Sir W. Jowitt said the inquiry was not merely to determine how the crash occurred, but the cause of explosion and fire after the crash. The airship had come down before without an explosion. -Sir' -Stafford Cripps said the passengers on R.lOl’s trial flight at Hendon air pageant in July would sav heaviness waf? experienced, and a lot •of ballast was dropped, due to gas leakages.