R101 ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1930, Page 5

RlOl ENQUIRY

NOT AIRWORTHY

EXPERTS’ DECLARATION

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—CopyrigLt).

LONDON. November 8

Before the inquiry into the loss of “R. 101” was resumed at Westminister, a. demonstration, by means of a model of the position of the gasbags and wiring used in the ill-fated airship, was given in a- room below the Court by the Air Ministry experts. Sir John Simon, who is presiding over the Court, and the two assesors, Colonel Moore-Brabazon and Professor Ingles, wore much interstecl in the demonstration.

Two French Government aeronautical experts gave evidence at the inquiry, and both express the opinion, after having examined the wreckage that no rupture occurred in the structure before the airship struck the ground. Most pf tho day’s proceedings were concerned with the condition of the RlOl gasbags, and the possibilty of a leakage causing loss of lift. Letters from Colonel Richmond, the designer, and Colonel McWnde, of the Warding ton Inspection Department, were produced, referring to holes which occurred in the fabric during the June flight. Commander Invin, who was commanding RlOl, reported that on July Ist, the ship was heavy in handling. Ho referred to the possibility of loss of gas. In connection with his report, Colonel Richmond wrote to Major Scott, Director of Airship Development, calculating that the loss of lift worked at about a ton to the square inch of the opening in 12 hours. Asking for particulars of any holes found from time to time by the crew, Colonel McWade alsii wrote the Air Ministry regarding the chafing of the gasbags against nuts or bolts, which, despite padding, showed holes. He states that until this matter was remedied, lie could not recommend the issue of a further permit to fly. Colonel McWade, giving evidence to-day, said that although before R.lOl set off to India the padding was quite satisfactory, the gasbags were still weighted against the longitudinals and points, and fouling remained.

Asked by Sir John Simon if be would have granted a certificate of airworthiness for RlOl before its last flight, Mr Mo Wade replied: “T. am afraid I would not have done so,”