Fatal Plane Race

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 64, 7 June 1927, Page 1

Fatal Plane Race

PILOTS KILLED “KING OF STUNTERS” DEAD GHASTLY BOURNEMOUTH SCENE By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Reed. 12.10 p.m. LONDON, Monday. CQUADRON - LEADER LONGk TON, known as “the King of Stunters,” and civilian pilot Openshaw, a well-known airman, were killed when the planes crashed after colliding in a plane race at Bournemouth. They were flying in the same race, and when taking a turn for the last lap their machines collided in midair and the wings became interlocked. The planes crashed afire to the ground, and Longton was burned to death. Openshaw died of his injuries. The crash occurred two miles from Bournemouth, in view of thousands of holiday-makers, and near the spot where Longton was fired on while flying in April. Other aviators saws the crash and descended. Farm workers, despite the huge mass of flames, qquiekly removed Opeishaw, whose machine was on top, from the burning debris. He died en route to the hospital. Longton’s body was charred beyond recognition, and was not recovered till the flames were spent. Longton was one of the ablest pilots in the air force, and was known as the “King of Stunters.” Openshaw was married six weeks ago.—A. and N.Z. Squadron-Leader Longton was the pilot whose plane was shot at during the Easter races at Bournemouth. The man, who fired the shot, was a farmer who apparently resented the plane racing. He was m the assizes. Hospital Appointment. —Sister Jones, of Whangarei. has been appointed sister at the Opunake Hospital, subject to the approval of the Heaitfe Department.