"An inquest into the death of Squadron-Leader David Malyon Allan, victim of the flying tragedy at Mangere yesterday, was opened today before the City Coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt. Sergeant Brown, of Onehunga, appeared for the police.

Evidence of identification was given by Ronald Affleck Kirkup, flight-lieutenant, Royal New Zealand Air Force, stationed at Mangere. "I saw Squadron-Leader Allan take off from the tarmac at 9.15 a.m. with Pilot-Officer P. G. H. Newton," said the witness. "He was in his usual state of health. At 10.20 I saw his body in a paddock near Black Bridge, Mangere." Witness said he had known Squadron-Leader Allan for eleven years. He was 44 years old and was married. The police report of the accident, which was presented to the Coroner, stated that Pilot-Officer Newton was at the controls and was instructed to go into a slow roll at 3000 feet. The plane was upside down for about five seconds. When the manoeuvre was completed, Pilot-Officer Newton noticed that the machine was not trimmed and he flew back to the aerodrome. When the plane landed it was found that the safety harness was undone but not broken."

[Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 62, 13 March 1940, Page 13]

David Allan was a well known figure. He had served with the RNAS and RAF in WW1 and had taken part in air displays and as an instructor between the wars. It was found that the safety pin for his harness had fouled on the control stick and pushing forward had released the harness' catch.  Over 400 members of the RNZAF turned out for his funeral.