NURSE LEAPS TO DEATH

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 355, 9 February 1937, Page 5

NURSE LEAPS TO DEATH

IN COOK STRAIT. FROM AEROPLANE. Blenheim Nurse Chooses Tragic End To Life. Press Association—Copyright. Blenheim, Last Night. Forcing open the door of the Marlborough Aero Club’s Waco cabin plane while the pilot endeavoured to maintain control of the machine and at the same time check her tragic action, Miss Viva Maud Farmer, the sole passenger, fell to her death in the middle of Coofc Strait from a height of 2500 feet this morning. Aged between 40 and 50 years, she was theatre sister and dispenser at the Wairau hospital, Blenheim. She was also an experienced aeroplane pilot and holder of a license. She was beginning a fortnight’s holiday leave and had booked her passage by Cook Strait Airways for Wellington this morning. However, at 8 a.m. she rang the Aero Club with the object of hiring a Moth to take her across the strait. The Waco, with Pilot-Officer Willis at the controls’ and Miss Farmer seated alongside him, tofk off at 9.5 for Wellington. Appeared Carefree. Miss Farmer appeared her carefree self, joking with the pilot in the most natural manner. After the machine left the coast Miss* Farmer, remarking that she wanted to get her bag, moved to the rear seat.

The next thing the pilot felt was an onrush ot air, and the machine slewed. Looking round he saw hit' passenger with the door—-which opens against the wind—partly open and trying to force it further open. The flying conditions were bumpy, but, keeping on hand on the controls, the pilot reached back and grasped Miss Farmer who, however, wrenched herself free and, flinging herself against the door, went hurtling into space. The pilot throttled the engine back and followed the body down untif it disappeared in the sea, which was rough. He circled the spot for some time, but failed to see the body again, so he returned to Blenheim and re' ported the affair. The plane will be inspected and the door tested by the Government aviation inspector before the inquest is held. Miss Farmer had a long period of service with, the Wairau Hospital Board. As a member of the aero club she was highly popular and a competent pilot, with much cross'-counfry flying to her credit.