AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1931, Page 5

AVIATION

AEROPLANE DAMAGED. [United Press Association. —By Electri? Telegraph.—Copyright.] WELLINGTON, Alarch 9. Careering around Rongotai airport without a pilot, a Gipsy Aloth belonging to Western Federated Flying Chib, New Plymouth. finished up hv capsizing. A pupil in starting the machine swung the propel lor with the throttle wide open. A) ith a roar the engine started and the machine lurched forward. The man who started it immediately threw himself flat upon the ground and the wing of the machine passed above him. Gatheiipg speed the machine raced ahead and then swerved and went upon a curving course. It then tipped up and went completely over, breaking the propeller and lay upon its back. In addition to a smashed propeller damage was done to the wings and fin. PLANE EXPLODES. (Received 10.35 a.m.) BERLIN, March 7. Five passengers and four of a crew of the Lufthansa plane had a narrow escape from death, when a forced landing was made in Holland. All got out when there was a tremendous explosion, the plane being immediately smashed to atoms. GLASGOW TRAGEDY. LONDON. March 7. Two auxiliary Air Force planes belonging to the city of Glasgow bombing squadron, were looping,the loop when they collided in mid air find crash* ed. A pilot and Flying Officers Lamb and Phillips were killed. A mechanic jumped clear and landed safely by parachute.