CRASH INTO SEA

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21206, 31 August 1940, Page 8

CRASH INTO SEA

HOBSONVILLE PLANE PILOT NOT YET FOUND ANOTHER IN HOSPITAL DOWN FROM 600 FEET (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Saturday A Tiger Moth aeroplane from the Hobsonville Air Base crashed into the sea about 600 yards off Narrow Neck at about 10 a.m. today. Residents saw the plane fly down the harbour, circle near Rangitoto and crash from a height of about 600 feet. A man was seen crawling toward the tail of the sinking machine, which was the ohly part visible. A naval examination vessel which was about 300 yards away speeded to the scene and naval vessels commenced to patrol.

Pilot-Officer Boyd Victor Le Pine, aged 24. of Wellington, was rescued and rushed to hospital. His condition is improving but is still serious. Nothing is known yet of the other occupant, Pilot-Officer R. Goldstone, of Wanganui. Believed Drowned The police state that Pilot-Officer Robert Michael Goldstone is believed drowned. He was aged 21, and his next-of-kin is his father, Mr J. Goldstone, of 21 College Street, Wanganui. Pilot-Officer Le Pine’s next-of-kin is his mother, Mrs V. Le Pine, 161 Barnett Street, Highland Park, Wellington. His injuries are shock and lacerations to the face, knees and arms. The plane was a Tiger Month D.H. 88, a two-seater dual control. With the two pilots it left Hobsonville at 9.15. Performing Aerobatics Onlookers variously estimate the height at which the plane went into the dive at from 200 to 1000 feet. Previously the plane had been performing aerobatics over Rangitoto Channel. After Pilot-Officer Le Pine was rescued by the naval vessel the plane sank immediately. Rescuers were unable to attach a rope to the machBoth pilots were members of the Instructors’ School, having arrived about three weeks ago after completing training in the South Island, and had been detailed as instructors.