Pilot Drayton Killed

Fatal Crash at Wau, N.G.

WHEN a Moth ’plane, owned by Guinea Airways, Ltd., failed to take off from Wau aerodrome on Christmas Day, it crashed heavily and a well-known pilot, Mr. Frank Nelson Drayton, and Mr. D. H. Harper, an Am erican surveyor, were killed.

The ’plane had risen about 50 feet when the engine failed and, in swerving to avoid some trees, the tail hit one with great force. The ’plane plunged down, crushing Mr. Harper, and imme diately burst into flames. Attempts to rescue Pilot Drayton—who was alive though unconscious and badly hurt — were frustrated by the violent flames.

Mr. Drayton, who was 29 years of age, was trained as a pilot at Point Cook.

Gaining his “wings” at the end of 1925, he remained in the Australian Air Force till 1927, when he obtained his “B” class license and joined the staff of Guinea Airways. With 2,000 flying hours to his credit, he was recognised as one of the most experienced commercial pilots in Australia. He was one of the best-liked and most highly-respected members of the New Guinea aviation staff.

Mr. Drayton was married early last year to Miss Gloria Thompson.