Pilot Disqualified

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 7

Pilot Disqualified

KAXMANAWA RANGES MISHAP. Per Press Association. WANGANUI, Feb. 2. An adjourned inquiry into the landing of the aeroplane ZK-ACH in tbo Kaimanawa ranges, piloted by Wilfred Potaka, was concluded at Wanganui tonight, Mr. A. S. Burgess, president of the Western Federated North Island Flying Clubs, presided, and alsj present were Wing-Commander T. M. Wilkes, Director of Civil Aviation, and Mr. R. C. Keane, inspector of aircraft accidents. After long evidence was heard from Potaka, Flight-Lieutenant lan Keith, pilot instructor to the federation, Mr. A. Salter, federation ground "ngineer, and Mr. B. H&ybittle, Hawera, the following decisions were reached:— (1) From the expert ground engineer's report and otficial comprehensive examination of the engine m every detail, it is perfectly clear that the engine was in a perfectly airworthy condition prior to and after landing an! that the condition of the engine lid not contribute in any way to the lauding.

(2) That it is established that Potaka engaged the machine to go from Wanganui to Palmerston North, via Utiku, but that he exceeded the commission given him by a federation official by flying beyond that point, therefore deliberately breaking the federation rules which the commission views as a grave and serious offence. (3) On evidence obtained from the pilot, it is impossible to arrive at the cause of the landing. (4) That Potaka be disqualified for 32 months and fined the cost of sal vugin g the machine