AIRLINER MISSING

Chronicle (Levin), 3 September 1948, Page 5

AIRLINER MISSING

(N.Z.P.A.—

-Reuter.

^ Failed To Reach Sydney On Trip From Brisbane

CoxairiQht)

Received Friday, 10.55 a.m. SYDNEY,* Sept. 3. T.he Douglas Dakota airliner "Lutana" of the Australian National Airways, carrying ten passengers and a crew of three, is missing on a flight from Brisbane to Sydney. Its petrol supply would have been exhausted at 3 a.m. today and there is no report of the plane attempting to land at any recognised airstrip or on a beach. It is believed to have crash-landed either in the sea or in the heavily-wooded country north of Sydney. The airliner last reported by radio at 8.12 o'clock last night when near Gosford, 47 miles north of Sydney. The plane was then at 4000 feet. It was on time and on its correct course, and was preparing to land at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney, 28 minutes later. The pilot said that he was decending about, 300 feet per minute. Previously he had reported icing and head winds, but the last report indicated that conditions were normal. Over Mascot visibility was clear, but rain squalls were reported by weather stations between Sydney and Newcastle. A Catalina flying-boat and rescue launch left Rathmines flying-boat base at first light today, while R.A.A.F. Dakotas are j vining in the search.