Night Landing Practice
Seaplane Training Flight, RNZAF (Hobsonville)
Walrus I NZ153 - took off from Waitemata Harbour at about 2300 piloted by Sgt D A Leslie and experienced engine failure immediately afterwards. Bounced when forced to alight and dived below the surface. Although injured, Leslie and Flight Mechanic AC2 A N Larkman survived the crash, but the other pilot died and is buried at Eskdale, near Napier.
2nd Pilot: NZ417004 Plt Off Morris McIntyre BEE, RNZAF - Age 23.
(Reference: Martyn, Errol W. For Your Tomorrow, A record of NZers who died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services since 1915. Volume Two: Fates 1943-1998, p74.)