AIR LINER CRASH

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1930, Page 5

AIR LINER CRASH

NEAR FRENCH COAST. Dinted Press Association—By Electric 'telegraph—Copyngbt.J LONDON, Oct. 30. A message from Boulogne states that the twin-engined plane, “City of Washington,” while en route from Paris to Croydon, crashed when nearing the coast. The plane’s engine ceased action, but the pilot struggled on, seeking for a landing place. He encountered fog, however, and one wing crashed into a hillside. The plane then overturned, and it was completely destroyed, but it did not catch lire.

One .passenger and two of the imperial Airways employees were killed, and two other passengers were injured.

The accident was not discovered for two hours. Then, when some farm labourers were going to work after dinner they found one passenger, Mr S. A. Tomkins, of Manchester, who, despite a terribly-injured leg, which has since been amputated had crawled nearly a mile, shouting for help. He was almost exhausted, but he managed to explain the whereabouts of the crash. The rescuers then found the remainder of those who were on the plane, still in the wreck. An American (the passenger), and one mechanic were dead, while another mechanic died after being lifted out.

The other survivors were seriously injured. This is the Imperial Airways’ second Channel service fatality. They had previously carried 150 thousand passengers during five years, and had flown five million miles with only otic fatal crash. This was when the “City of Ottawa” came down in the Channel.