"Medical evidence was tendered concerning the death of Sergeant Pilot Neil Ernest King, aged 27, who died as the result of an aeroplane crashing at Motunau, North Canterbury, on October 28. King, it was stated, had died from haemorrhage of the brain, following severe injuries."

[PRESS, VOLUME LXXIX, ISSUE 23887, 4 MARCH 1943, PAGE 6]

Errol Martyn in For Your Tomorrow, Vol 1, does however, from NZRAF records show that the aircraft crashed into the sea following violent weather, turbulance and loss of control. He also lists Neill King  as "Equipment Assistant", not Sergeant Pilot. He was geting a ride home in a Tiger Moth that was being delivered to Harewood from Rongotai. The crash occoured some 35 miles south of Christchurch, near Motunau Island.