The second machine of Bertram Ogilvie wa a larger triplane about 12 feet high at the upper mainplane. The success of this aircraft is reputed to have been no better than that of the first. But Bertram Ogilvie, and Arthur Pickard-Hawkins, his employer, who’s help and encouragement had been instrumental in construction of these first two machines, set about building a third, still with the intention of testing Ogilvies ‘briai child’ the aileron.
Prior to construction of his first aircraft, Ogilvie built a small wing of about 4 foot span, mounting it behind a motor vehicle, and had observed its reaction when, with the aid of cords, the ailerons were activated.
By all accounts, the third aircraft proved successful, and Lord Kitchener who witnessed flights at ‘Grafton’, the Pickard-Hawkins’ property at Maraenui near Napier, was so impressed that he undertook to arrange publicity for Ogilvie and his aircraft should he take it to England.
On arrival in the UK Ogilvie and Pickard-Hawkins assembled the aircraft at Aldershot. With top military personnel present in preparation for Oglvie’s display, difficulty was experienced in coaxing the engine into life and, in the ensuing confusion the throttle was left open. When the motor finally fired the aircraft careered across the airfield and was wrecked.
Arthur Pickard-Hawkins returned to New Zealand but Bertram Oglvie remained in the UK and became and aircraft designer with Handley Page Ltd.
