STRENUOUS FLYING.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 332, 13 January 1937, Page 4

STRENUOUS FLYING.

SEARCH FOR LOST ’PLANE

Trying Experiences In Mountain Ranges.

“The conditions were such as are rarely experienced in flying,” said Mr Geo. Boon, of Strartford, in narrating his experience as pilot and observer of one of the Western Federated Aero Club's machines which took part | n the search for the aeroplane lost »n the Kaimanawa ranges. Winds Of gale force, heavy rain, antf down-draughts from Mount Ruapehu taxed the endurance and skill of the fliers.

Naw Plymouth was left shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, Mr Boon acting as observer to Mr C. Plumtree, who piloted th© Western Federated Club’s machine, ZK —ACZ. Accompanying them were Messrs A. Salter (pilot), and K. Martin, observer in 2K—ABP. Weather conditions at the time were very bad and ‘ it was necessary to proceed along the coast instead, of following the usual rout© over Stratford. Below Hawera the weather was fine and course was set for Wanganui, a stop was made for refueling. The fliers then journeyed on to land at Palmerston North, where they conferred with Flight-Lieutenant Buckeridge, who was in charge of the operations. On Sunday morning the searchers were called at 4.45 and at 5.30 they were at the aerodrome.

On to Karijoi,

Without delay they took off for Karioi, 12 miles south ot Ohakune, and landed in a big grass paddock about 7.30 a.m. The wind Was blow, ing at gale force, rain was pouring down and visibility was poor. The wind was so strong that the machines had to be picketed. Altogether six were on th© ground and before setting off .the pilots were given their instructions. The machines took off in pairs and although th© pilot and observer Of the second machin© kept a lookout, it was actually sent as; an escort to the first machine.

The weather was very bad around Ruapehu and in a bump one of the searchers had his head cut open. After flying for an hour and a half the machines returned to the base. In the afternoon a relay of pilots was available to relieve those who were feeling the effects of the strenuous flying. The search was continued but in the Karioi ranges conditions were so sevei«b that all machines had to return ta Karioi. Discovery of ‘Plane. In very heavy rain and a high wind Mr Boon flew back to Palmerston North, where he had his first real meal since early morning. Two machines remained at Kartoi, the pilots being billeted at a farmhouse. Early next morning they were in the air and a Manawatu Aero Club's plane, piloted by Major L. McGaffin, with Mr L. Bailey (forest ranger stationed at Karioi), was successful in finding the missing plane. It was seen resting on a flat about 15 miles east ot Mount Ngauruhoe at an altltude of about 4000 feet. There was no sign of the pilot, Mr Wilson Potaki. or his passenger, Mr Tint Potaka, both of whom had left the machine and eventually reached a roadway, where they were picked up by a Taihape party. Some of the searchers averaged from 10 to 15 flying hours over the two days, which was a fairly heavy • strain under the conditions. How ever, the local people at Karioi wer© very kind and went to a lot of trouble in bringing hot tea and cakes from a farmhouse three miles distant from the landing ground. Down-draughts from Mountain. Referring again to the difficulties encountered, Mr Boon said the wind was coming straight over Ruapehu in big down-draughts and he had never flown under such bumpy conditions. In fact the conditions were such as were rarely experienced’ in flying. Fortunately the machines worked wonderfully well and there was no mishap of any kind. Another factor that was mainly responsible for the success of the search was th© excellent organisation. Th© return flight to New Plymouth on Monday was without incident.