§ Mr. McKEAG(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is in a position to make a statement concerning the tragedy which occurred at the Air Pageant at Hendon on Saturday last, and whether in particular he can state what time elapsed between the actual crashing of the plane and the outbreak of fire; at what distance from the point of the crash the fire machines were situate, and whether the fire machines reached the crashed plane before or after the outbreak of fire; what was the actual length of time which elapsed between the moment the plane crashed and the arrival of the fire machines at the spot; whether these fire machines are kept constantly running in case of any such emergency, and whether those in immediate charge of the machines proceeded to the rescue on their own initiative or had to await instructions?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The regrettable accident which occurred at Hendon on Saturday was the result of an attempted forced landing probably due to engine failure. The pilot of the aircraft is still suffering from injuries received in the crash and cannot be questioned, but it would appear that when gliding in to land he realised that if he continued on 1752 his course he would land among the spectators and that he turned at a low altitude and, in so dong, stalled the aircraft. The circumstances of the accident will of course be fully investigated and, until this investigation is complete, it is not possible to give definite replies to the first, third, and fourth of the specific questions asked. The evidence at present available does not, however, suggest that any avoidable delay occurred between the time that the aircraft landed and the time that the fire tenders arrived at the spot. With regard to the second question, the nearest fire tender was stationed within 180 yards of the accident. The replies to the last two questions are that the engines of the fire tenders are kept warm by periodical running and that the personnel in charge, who stand by continuously while flying is in progress, proceeded to the scene of the crash on their own initiative. I should like to take this opportunity of publicly expressing my Noble Friend's and my own deep personal sympathy with the relatives of the late Squadron Leader Collett, and to place on record the Air Council's high appreciation of the distinguished services he has rendered to the Auxiliary Air Force since its formation.