AWARUA IN STORM

Evening Star, Issue 23694, 30 September 1940, Page 4

AWARUA IN STORM

TRAILING AERIAL FUSED FAST CROSSING NOTWITHSTANDING [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September 29. A severe electrical storm was encountered by the Tasman Empire Airways flying boat Awarua about 400 miles out From Sydney on her way to Auckland to-day, and an electrical discharge fused the trailing aerial. The machine was not damaged' or otherwise affected in any way, and all that the passengers knew of the incident was a brief flash of light. The trailing aerial, which is lowered from the pilot’s compartment when the machine is in flight and wound in again prior to landing, was replaced by a spare one carried for such an eventuality. As a result of the prompt replacement radio communication was interrupted for only a few minutes. In spite of the storm, which necessitated a deviation from the direct course, tho Awarua made a fast trip. With 14 passengers, she left Sydney at 6.12 a.m., and reached Auckland at 1.53 p.m., the point-to-point time being 7hr 34min. Captain O. Garden was in command. The passengers included Majorgeneral Sir John Duigan (Chief of the General Staff) and Group-captain H. W. L. Saunders (Chief of the Air Staff), who have been visiting Australia.