R.A.F. FATALITY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 381, 16 November 1932, Page 7

R.A.F. FATALITY

plane in pieces DISASTROUS SEQUEL TO MID-AIR TELEPHONY TESTS ; ENGINE FALLS OUT The story of an aeroplane that fell to pieees in mid-air was told ta the Wiltshire Coroner when an inquest was held at Upavon Aerodrome on the body of Flying Officer Percy John Walter Hawkins, who lost his life when his machine crashed over Netheravon aerodrome in carrying out radio-telephony tests in a Bulldog single-seater machine. Pilot-Officer Guy Willoughby said he was at the aerodrome at Netheravon and saw several aeroplanes doing acrohatics. "Then I noticed this Bulldog above me go into a normal dive. I was wondering what aerobatische was going to do and I paid particular attention to him. When still about 3000 feet and without any sign of the nose of the machine coming up it commenced to roll over. "The left wing broke and then a lump fell out, I believe it was the engine. Then another lump fell out. The rest of the aircraft then disintegrated and I sent for the amhulance." Flight-Sergeant Frank Bramley. gave similar evidence and said the machine practically fell to bits. Dr. W. J. Jato, medical officer at Upavon, said death was due to multiple injuries. On going through Hawkins' injuries he found in his righthand trouser pocket a fused box of matehes. There was a scorched piece of paper. The interior of the pocket was scorched and there was a red patch on the thigh of the deceased. He thought if the box of matehes fused it might have made Hawkins lose control. Flight-Lieutenant Oliver, replying to the coroner, said he did not think the matehes had anything to do with the accident. He had heard of several officers being severely burnt in the air and landing their machines safely. The coroner, recorded a verdict of death from multiple injuries arising from the aeroplane breaking in the air.