AEROPLANE MISHAPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 December 1921, Page 5

AEROPLANE MISHAPS.

CRASH OF MAIL CARRIER.. TWO MEN KILLED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Perth, Dec. 6. One of the machines of the first aerial mail service crashed a hundred miles north of Geraldton. The pilot, Lieutenant Fawcett, and the mechanic, W. Broad, were killed almost instantly. One plane developed engine trouble and was compelled to make a forced landing. Fawcett circled overhead for a while, but the machine nose-dived to earth from a height of 50 feet. Major Brearly, who is in charge of the third machine, is returning south to reorganise the service to carry out. the mail contract. Received Dec. 6, 9.50 p.m. Perth, Dec. 6. The actual cause of the disaster is unknown. According to aviators’ statements the landing places wei-e not properly prepared, and the fact of having to land at a temporary landing place contributed to the accident, the machines keeping together with a view of possible landing difficulties. One developed engine troubles, and the others descended to assist. Fawcett’s machine was searching for a suitable place when the accident happened. Mr. Durack, a member of Parliament, who was a passenger, held an inquest on the spot, the intense heat necessitating quick burial. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A FATAL CRASH. London, Dec. 5. An aeroplane, piloted by Flight-Lieuten-ant A. F. Roach, of the Australian Flying Corps, crashed at Arlesey, Bedfordshire. Corporal Laurence was killed and Roach injured. The third occupant, an aircraftsman named Palmer, escaped by jumping just before the machine crashed. Palmer says the starboard engine stopped in - its revolutions and caused a sideslip of about 45 degrees when going at 60 miles an hour. After the plane crashed he heard Roach cry “Get me out.” With the help of a policeman he found Roach pinned under a strut with petrol pouring over his face. They sawed through the strut and released him.