AEROPLANE TRAGEDY
.IXQUEST ON VICTIMS. t'By Telegraph.—Special to Guardian), WAtROA. February 9. An inquest of the three victims of yesterday’s aeroplane crash was held to-day. After identification of the bodies, evidence was given by Haniish Armstrong and Lieutenant George Bolt that the He So lit ter monoplane was in Hastings aerodrome that morning. it was almost, a new machine, and was used in carrying passengers tor the Dominion Airlines between Hastings and Gisborne. Bolt since the earthquake had been doing three trips daily, but lately the third one had been done by night, The latter left at nine yesterday with two passe ngern for Gisborne, returning with Strand and Findlay. Prior to leaving Hastings the machine was carol ally examined, and was found in perfect order. Bolt was ready to go liimsel! but Right offered to take the trip.
1 When wires were received at two o’clock that the plane had crashed at Wairoa, Bolt left for the hitter place. He examined the wrecked machine which was badly smashed. Nothing was left undamaged. Ho was unable to say what caused the accident. From what was told by eve witnesses, the aeroplane came down low with tlic wind to drop messages, afterwards flying with the wind at a low altitude. The engine cut out, the plane turning on its side and driving to the ground. Witnesses thought that when the engine stopped the pilot, bad not enougfi altitude to turn into the wind to land, which he appeared to attempt the machine stalling on the turn, and dropping to the ground. The only suggestion be could make was that Right, who was a big man, bad accidentally knocked the switch when handling the throttle after dropping the messages. Ho considered the switch was in a safe place. Eye witnesses stated the engine seemed to he missing but this may have been due to the motor being 'throttled down when flying low.
All three inquests were adjourned sine die.
Ivan Right was a solicitor and an airman, of Dnnnevirke, Walter hindlav, a master baker at Gisborne, and Strand, an engine oil expert for A. S. Paterson, of Wellington.
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Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1931, Page 5
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356AEROPLANE TRAGEDY Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1931, Page 5
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