TWO PILOTS HURT

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20742, 28 February 1939, Page 8

TWO PILOTS HURT

GIPSY MOTH CRASHES MACHINE BTRIKEB A KNOLL ACCIDENT NEAR MANGERE (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Tuesday Two club-trained pilots undergoing an instructor's course under the Government scheme to build up a reserve of instructors were injured when a De Havilland Gipsy Moth plane crashed in an open field, about two miles west of Mangere Aerodrome, about 9.30 this morning. They were Messrs G. K. Larney, a member of the Canterbury Aero Club, and Robert H. Hesketh, a member of the Auckland Club. Both were sent to hospital and are undergoing X-ray examinations. It is believed their injuries are not serious. The two pilots were practising forced landings, which is a routine part of -a pilot's activities, and- they chose an open field on a farm over l which to go through the movements of landing without actually coming down to the ground. While turning at an altitude of between 100 ft and 200 ft the plane got out of control, tending to develop a spin, and struck the side of a hummock. The engine hit the ground and the machine bounded back a few yards, smashing the engine housing and right wing and buckling the undercarriage. Mr Larney, who was in the cockpit, climbed out of the plane and assited Mr Hesketh, who had been at the controls, on to the ground. Farmers came running from all directions but little was required of them except a summons for an ambulance which proceeded to Auckland Hospital. Mr Hesketh is believed to be injured in the spine and one ankle and his condition is not considered serious. Mr Larney was treated in the casualty department. Both suffered lacerations and bruises.

Farmers who heard the crash and people who saw the wreckage consider they had a remarkable escape from more serious injury.