AVIATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 81, 5 December 1913, Page 6

AVIATION.

AUCKLAND AVIATOR INJURED.

[Peb Peess Association. 1

Auckland,.December 4

A short trial flight was made at Avondale this morning by Mi' Sandford in the Sandford-Miiier biplane, with which two local aviators, Messrs Sandford and Miller, have been experimenting for some time. The planes of the machine had been considerably soaked by recent heavy rains, and they were consequently very heavy, but Mr Sandford decided to test the flying capacity of the machine in such condition.,. At about half-past eight this morning, lie took his-seat and started the engine, and the machine went up gracefullv. Mr Sandford took the biplane up to-a considerable height, circled the racecourse, and then set out in the direction of New Lynn. He found, however,, that they soaked planes made the machine’s movements heavy, and after traversing about a mile he decided to descend. He-made the descent without mishap. - Later in the day Mr Sandford went to take the machine out p? the paddock. It failed, to clear, a fence, which lie struck when going at a speed of close tipon 50 miles ah hour. The machine was wrecked, except tbe engine, and the aviator was thrown 30 or 40 fret further on. The extent of his- iniuries'is’not known vet. . Auckland, December 5.

Sami ford ■ fell' on his head, tind the forepart of the aeroplane was smashed into’ matchwood,' Sandford was picked up in an unconscious condition, and remained so for some hours. He was removed to his home in a motor car. where it was found tha no hones were broken, his injuries .consisting of a scalp wound, lacerated hand, and badly twisted hack.