AN ERROR OF JUDGMENT

NZ Truth, Issue 1261, 30 January 1930, Page 5

AN ERROR OF JUDGMENT

Coroner's Verdict On Plane Smash (From "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) No further light on the cause of their seaplane crashing into the j sea off. Mi If ord was shown at the adjourned inquest on Captain j Donald Edward Harkness and his j mechanic, Charles yGoldsbro', and the Coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., brought m a verdict that they died through drowning after their 'plane had accidentally crashed. A REFERENCE to the heedless and ■ uncouth behavior of the enormous crowd which gathered on Milfoi-d, Beach during the salving. of the 'plane: .and the removal of the bodies was j made by Constable Woods, who said that people flocked round the wreckage, qheering and shouting, and he had the greatest difficulty m clearing space to enable the machine to be drawn on to land and the, bodies removed to a shed. , I Technical evidence as to the condition of the engine and structure of the 'plane was given by Squadron Leader Leonard Isitt. 7 The finding of the commission of inquiry into the crash was embodied m the coroner's verdict to the effect that the immediate cause of the accident was an error of judgment on the pilot's part m'• attempting to turn when the. craft was , in a stalled condition. Contributory causes were: (1) the air speed indicator was defective, and (2) the pilot was inexperienced m that type of air craft. •It wSs impossible, said the squadron leader, to determine whether the engine failed m any : respect or whether ballast m the shape of a stone was carried, but m his opinion the flight was determined upon owing to the improved running' of the engine when being tested by taxi -ing over the harbor. . An Air Bill is being drafted now to ensure that unlicensed pilots shall not take up any passengers other than qualified instructors before receiving their licence.