HOBART AIR TRAGEDY.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17976, 22 March 1930, Page 7

HOBART AIR TRAGEDY.

EXPERT EVIDENCE. AN OBSOLETE AEROPLANE. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. HOBART, March 20. Pilot-Officer Grant’s condition has improved, and there is every hope of his recovery. Elliott may lose his right foot. McGowan was buried with naval honours. (Received March 22, 11.30 a.m.) HOBART, March 22. At the air tragedy inquest Squad-ron-Leader Semen expressed the opinion that tile accident was due to a bump when turning at too slow a speed while Grant was manoeuvring for a position to photogTapli the fall of the warships’ shots. The ’plane was of an old type and obsolete far the exacting requirements of naval work, though perfectly safe for ordinary flying. The Inquiry was adjourned till the injured officers are able to attend.

During gunnery practice on Wednesday with the Australian Navy at Norfolk Bay, south-east Tasmania, 9 seaplane from the tender crashed. One man was killed and t\v. 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.