An early accident

An early accident

Until the mid-1930s there was little official regulation of flying in New Zealand, and the daring exploits of early pilots led to many mishaps. This Avro Avian IVA biplane, previously owned by Charles Kingsford Smith, was flown from Australia to New Zealand by Guy Menzies in January 1931. Although he was heading for Christchurch, Menzies was forced to land at Harihari, on the West Coast. The aircraft landed upside down in a swamp, probably as a result of crosswinds.