SEAPLANE CRASHES.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17974, 20 March 1930, Page 5

SEAPLANE CRASHES.

TRAGEDY IN TASMANIA. ONE KILLED ; TWO INJURED. United Press Assn. —Klee. Tel.—Copyright. HOBART, March 19. During gunnery practice with the Australian Navy at Norfolk Bay, southeast Tasmania, a seaplane from the aircraft tender Albatross crashed. One man was killed and two others were injured. The man killed was a wireless operator named McGowan. Flying-Officer Grant suffered injuries to his back, fractured ribs, cuts and severe shock and Lieutenant Elliott a broken leg, a dislocated shoulder and shock. The seaplane developed a spin at an altitude of 2000 feet and fell into the water.

LATER

CAUSE OF THE TRAGEDY. McGOWAN TRAPPED IN TAIL. STRUCK WITH TERRIFIC FORCE. (Received March 20, 10.25 a.m.) HOBART, March 20. The machine piloted by FlyingOfficer Grant was being used for photographing the bombardment of the Isle caves by the warship Australia.

It suddenly encountered a bad bump in the air and went into a spin, which the pilot was unable to overcome. Flying- Officer Grant and Lieutenant Elliott were thrown out before reaching Uie water. Mr McGowan was trapped in the tail, where he was taking observations, and was carried under the water. Death is believed to have been instantaneous as tlie machine struck the sea with terrific force.

Other planes were imediately on the scene, and picked up Flying-Officer Grant and Lieutenant Elliott, who had kept afloat despite their injuries. They were transferred to the destroyer Anzac, which sot out immediately at full speed for Hobart. The machine was recovered. Mr McGowan’s body was found in the tail.

Experts declare that the accident was not due to engine failure.