COURTNEY DOWN BUT SAFE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 423, 3 August 1928, Page 9

COURTNEY DOWN BUT SAFE

ATLANTIC VENTURE FAILS

BAD LUCK STILL DOGS BRITISH FLYER

(United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and ~N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 10.37 a.m. NEW YORK, Thursday. A WIRELESS message says that the Atlantic liner Minnewaska found Captain F. T. Courtney, who set out tofly from the Azores to America, and who was forced to come down in the water 500 miles out.

Captain Courtney wirelessed for assistance, adding that he was in no danger. A later Vancouver dispatch says the liner Cedric was alongside, ready to rescue the airmen.

Captain Courtney and his three companions started on the present trans-

atlantic flight from Lisbon on June 27 in a twin-engined Dormer-Napier Wal flying-boat. Two hours later a break in a waterpipe and the strength of the wind compelled them to return. Re-

pairs were effected and the airman again hopped off for the Azores, where they landed on June 28. Since then they have evidently been awaiting good flying conditions for the continuation of their flight to America, via Newfoundland. The flying-boat is equipped with a powerful wireless set. Captain Courtney hopes to be able to undertake a flight to Australia and New Zealand under these conditions before the end of the year, and he anticipates being able to complete it in less than 10 days. If he can do so. he is confident that the outcome must be the establishment of a regular air service to the capitals of these Dominions. As a preliminary, the airman is undertaking his present flight from Lisbon to America under conditions such as have been indicated. He hopes thus to secure dFata which will serve as a basis for his more extended flight.