GLIDER’S TRIALS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1930, Page 4

GLIDER’S TRIALS

PILOT HURT BY CATAPULT.

AUCKLAND, 'March 17

Successful trials of the big' glider oi the New Zealand Model Aero and Glider Club held during the week-end came to an unfortunate .finish hefoie a large crowd when the club captain, Mr i< . U Macdonald, of 17 Komaru Street, Remuero, was struck across the eves by the loose end of an extended catapult used to propel the machine j\ir Maccionaid was unable to sec out of one eyes as the result of the accident and was taken to hospital. Tim accident occurred after two successful trials. had been held in a lield opposite St. John’s College on Panmure Road. The catapult had Teen hitched to the glider for a third attempt and Mr Macdonald was seated at the controls The catapult was not of sufficient length, so a rope wa, (attached on which ; to hull. There were six men on each end of the catapult, and it had been extended some distance, when the joint gave way, the lose end flying back and Striking Mr Macdonald. The catapult is about an inch in diameter and it flew back with considerable force.

nio trials are believed to have been the first in New Zealand in which a catapult has been used to start a glider. In the first attempt' the machine rose eight or nine feet and continued for 175 feet Ibefor.a a perfect landing was made. The rudder control had snapped, but this was soon repaired, and the second attempt was made. This time, the glider rose steadily to a height of 20 feet, con tinuing gracefully lor 2-50 yards before landing easily.

The trials were not meant for distance flying, and the catapult was not fully extended. Every satisfaction was felt with the glider’s performance. The glider, which* was made by the club, has a wing span of 37 feet. An attempt to fly it was made at the Hobsonville Acrodrom e some weeks ago, hut a hitch occurred in taking off and the glider was damaged.