AIR CRASH.
MYSTERY OF DEFECT. INTACT AFTER MISHAP. GOOD FLYING DAY. RAPID TRAVELLING. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 17, 7 p.m. London, April 15. At the inquest on the air crash victims—Sir Ross Smith and Lieut. Bennett—Sir Keith Smith testified that it wm the first time his brother had flown an amphibian machine. Mr. Muller, superintendent at Brooklands,. said the machine was similar to those supplied to the British, Canadian, Japanese and Dutch Governments. It was in complete flying trim and there was no defect anywhere. The controlling parts were absolutely intact after the accident. It was a good day for flying. Captain Cockerell gave evidence that the machine was not examined when he and Sir Ross Smith descended from their preliminary flight, because the engines were running. Sir Roas Smith merely replaced Captain Cockerell at the controls. Witness testified that he had seen the construction of the machine throughout and it was perfect in every respect. Sir Ross Smith understood his demonstrations during the test flight perfectly. The fact that it was an amphibian machine made no difference to flying. Witness added that Sir Ross Smith while in the air suggested they should land and he be given the controls. Witness was convinced nothing was wrong with the engine. Though Sir Ross Smith in his first attempt failed to stop the spin he succeeded in the second attempt, but then he was too near the ground. The machine was travelling at a hundred miles an hour.—Reuter Service. A FIXE TRIBUTE. TIMES ON THE DEAD HERO. HIS WORK FOR PROGRESS. Received April 17, 7 p.m. London, April 15. The Times states that after the accident Sir Keith Smith, weeping bitterly, said: “Oh, Ross, old chum, why didn’t I come with you; speak to me.” The Times, in a tribute to the dead airman, says: “Sir Ross Smith, a great hero of adventure, has now been ea.’led to rejoin the men of his old troop at Gallipoli. Let us think of his groat soul soaring onward through the heights that confessed him their conqueror, away from the envious earth that dragged him down. He saw afar and realised that the hazardous paths he followed must one day be the highways on a new age of Imperial unity. In that faith, with a brave companion, he takes his place in the advance guard of human progress.”—Times Service. AN HISTORIC MACHINE. THE FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA. Received April 17, 7 p.m. Sydney, April 17. Particularly since the news of his death the Vickers Vimy machine In which Sir Ross Smith made the historic flight to Australia, being exhibited in the agricultural show, is the centre of attraction. It is now decked in mourning. The machine will be sent to Melbourne. where it will be placed permanently in the Australian war museum.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE BURIAL GROUND. CHOICE OF 'ENGLISH TOWN. Received April 17, 7.35 p.m. London, April Ifl. Sir Keith Smith states he ha- 1 no plans for the future. He has practically decided that Sir Ross Smith and Lieut. Bennett will be buried at Weybridge, one of the most foremost spots associated with aviation. It would be impossible for him to proceed to Australia for some weeks, owing to flna’ising business contracts; he had previously left it all “to poor old Ross.” —-United Service. THEIR MAJESTIES’ SORROW. MESSAGE TO SIR KEITH SMITH. Received April 17, 7 p.m. London, April 16. Sir Keith Smith han received the following telegram from the private secretary at Windsor Castle: "The King and Queen were shocked to hear of the terrible accident in which your brother Ross and Lieut. Bennett lost their lives a»s thev were preparing to embark on yet another daring exploit. Their Majesties feel that by their death the Empire has lost two of the foremost pioneers in flight. lam desired to assure you of their heartfelt sympathy in your sorrow.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. “A GREAT MAN.” A TRIBUTE. Received April 17, 7 p.m. Sydney, April 17. Lieut. Shiers (who accompanied Sir Ross Smith on the flight from England to Australia), interview*!, said he was unable to express his feelings at the way Sir Ross Smith “went out.” He ■was loved by all on the historic flight from England. He was a great man, always full of confidence, and no matter how hopeless the situation he was ready with a “cheerio.” He always put ’new heart in the party. The Governor-General has sent messages of condolence to the parents of Sir Ross Smith and Lieut. Bennett. — Aus.-N.z.. Cable Assn.
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Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1922, Page 5
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754AIR CRASH. Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1922, Page 5
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