Pilot Rescued From Blazing Aircraft

The peace and quiet at Nelson Airport was rudely broken by the shrill sound of the fire alarm. Firemen and auxiliary fire fighters sprang into action. Within minutes, vehicles were racing across the tarmac to the scene of the blaze. Already, senior crash fireman N. Jenks had pulled the pilot of the blazing aircraft from danger and now the crew concentrated on extinguishing the flame. Thick foam was sprayed onto the raging fire and quickly brought the blaze under control. On his occasion the event. was only drill and it: was described as very successful by the chief airport fire officer, Mr R. A. King. One day the speed and efficiency of the firemen might be put to the real test, but we hope not.

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Senior crash fireman N. Jenks pulls the "pilot" clear from the fire. The remains of a Piper Pawnee, which crashed at Okiwi Bay about two years ago, 44 gallons of waste petrol, about 30 gallons of used oil, several tyres and wood were used to create the realistic scene.

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Auxiliary fireman Charlie Bensemann was the man behind the main foam hose

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Foam was sprayed on from several other units.

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Crash fire officer H. D. Jenkins moves through thick foam to view the remains