TURIWHATE SMASH

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1933, Page 6

TURIWHATE SMASH

MR MERCER SUBMITS REPORT

AERO CLUB DISCUSSION

ASHBURTON, November 29

The recent aeroplane crash on Mount; Turiwhate, in which Messrs J. B. (Kenton and J. D. Lynch lost their lives, was discussed at a meeting of the general committee oi the Canterbury Aero Club, held at Ashburton last night, following a report by the club’s instructor '(Mr J. C. Mercer) on the accident. It was stated chat the Director of Air Services ('Squadron Leader T. M. Wilkes) considered that no good purpose would now be served ■by holding an inquiry. It was decided that Mr .Mercer should bring down recommendations on flying in fog. Mr Mercer stated that he considered Air Renton to be a very capable and careful pilot.

Mr Alercer said that the club’s machine was totally wrecked. It w.vs hard to state the cause of the accident. The pilot had been above the clouds but perhaps had not been sufficiently high where, in. that locality, he could be subjected to down currentsThese, in Mr Mercer’s opinion, would ,f o rce him Into the clouds or mist, where he would ‘be hopelessly lost.

■He had always found Air Renton to be a very capable,...and care ml pilot, _ he sa’d, and knew that be would, not at any time take risks of which he wa s aware. At 1.30 p.m. on the dnv of the accident he had received A; Telegraphed message .from Air Renton stating that he was going up to have a look at the to see if it was possible to fly over and return to 'Christchurch.

NO INQUIRY. The secretary (Air P. R. Climie) stated that Squadron Leader Wilkes, to whom the accident had been reported, considered that no cood purpose would be served by holding an inouiry. as both the pilot and p-gsen-gcr hnd hst their.lives. W Y J. R. Richardson said an inquiry should be held on account of the danger involved in fly me in tli e clouds. ° The secretary stated that Squadron Leader Wilkes had also expressed the opinion that the aeroplane had been above the cloud-s, but had lost altitude and had dropped into the clouds. Mr K. Johnston said that there should be a rule prohibiting pilots flying the clouds, and if they did so, they rdiouhl bo made responsible for any ]os s in the event of a crash. It was decided to refer the matter to Dm club’s instructor to bring down recommendations for consideration. Reference was made to the service rendered by those who took part in the search for the aeroplane alter the accident. The secretary stated that Squadron Leader Wi]k°s. had been much impressed with the-'-, organisation of the : neai'ch party. Members expressed Their gratitude and thanks to the ' searchers.

Ji motion of sympathy with the relatives of both men wag carried, members standing in silence. : ,