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Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20988, 15 December 1939, Page 6

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AIR FORCE BOMBER DESCENT IN COOK STRAIT PILOT ESCAPES UNHURT (By Telegraph.—Preaa Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday As the result of engine trouble an Air Force Baffin bomber, one of three engaged in a flight across Cook Strait, made a forced landing in the sea in Island Bay at 12.30 o’clock this afternoon. Pilot-Officer S. G. White, of Woodbume Aerodrome, the only occupant of the machine, was unhurt, and did not even get wet. The engine of the machine failed off Palmer Head, but picked up temporarily. The pilot turned to return to Rongotai, where the machine had circled a short time before without landing, but the motor failed at a height of about 500 ft., too low to enable the aeroplane to glide either to the aerodrome or to the beach. Two Miles From Shore Residents of Island Bay stated that the bomber came down two miles from the shore. Mr L. Meo, an Italian fisherman, returning in a launch from the Tarawera coast, went out to the aeroplane, and the pilot told him he was all right. Another launch, the Anena, in charge of Mr Rafael Creco, brought the pilot ashore. Three fishing launches were used to tow the bomber into the shore, but because of the strong head wind and the fact that the machine was a dead weight, having all but submerged, progress was slow. At an early stage the machine turned turtle and at least an hour was occupied in bringing it to within 400 yards of the beach. Endeavours were then made to bring the tail over so that the bomber could be hauled in on her wheels, and considerable damage was done the process. Several attempts were necessary before the machine was brought ashore. While the salvage party was working the tail of the bomber was tom away. When Pilot-Officer White arrived back on the beach to watch the salvage operations the main rope broke and the end of it struck him in the eye. Efficient Equipment Pilot-Officer White, whose home is in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay, was at one time a member of the Royal Air Force, and flew his own Moth from England to Australia. He joined the territorial air force shortly belore war was declared.

Group-Captain L. M. Isitt said tonight that the flotation bags in the rear of the fuselage of the Baffin had worked most efficiently and were responsible for keeping the tail above the sea. The department greatly appreciated the action of the Italian fishermen and others who gave assistance. The Baffin arrived in New Zealand about a year ago. Its value is said to be between £6OOO and £7OOO.