Helpless Zeppelin

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 667, 20 May 1929, Page 9

Helpless Zeppelin

BUFFETED BY THE WIND Safe Landing After Perils (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) T w „ . BERLIN, Saturday. -tIL news of the Graf Zeppelin’s landing at Toulon, in f ranee, was received with deep thankfulness, following an afternoon of increasing alarm. The fate of the Zeppelin " as Practically the only topic of conversation everywhere.

It is generally admitted that the flight shows that transatlantic flights are too hazardous for an airship as small as the Graf Zeppelin. Germany must follow Britain’s example and build bigger and stronger airships if they are to become of commercial value. An official at Friedrichshafen, when questioned concerning the report that the airship’s plight was due to an act ot sabotage, said a full inquiry would be held as soon as she returned, when the report would be investigated. As soon as the Zeppelin Company heard that the Graf Zeppelin had landed, it sent a wireless message to the French Air Ministry: “Thank you tor } our kindness and wonderful services and advice during the hours of anxiety.’' The French Government has granted permission for the company to send new engines for the airship by motor-car. However, new engines for the Zeppelin have been dispatched to Toulon by train. Dr. Duerr, the chief constructor at the Zeppelin works, has gone with them and will superintend their installation. Before Dr. Eckener reached Valence he broadcast a wireless message asking “What are the best landing places in your vicinity? Please advise the Valence garrison to have troops in readiness.” After that the Graf Zeppelin was continually sending wireless messages, or dropping hand-written notes to the earth, each with an urgent plea to organise troops at all the available airdromes. In response to the appeals troops were hurriedly drafted to the Valence airdrome and given instructions as to handling the Zeppelin. Later Dr. Eckener signalled that he intended to try another course, instead of risking a landing. After the airship reached Avignon the wind was somewhat less violent, although it was still hindering navigation. The airship was often observed to be broadside-on to the wind.

When ovsr Carpentras, in the Department of Vaucluse, it was

twice turned round upon its axis by the force of the wind. The crowd below watched openmouthed, fearing it would be broken in two. The efforts to land failed, one at Ancone, the other as Istres, near Marseilles. The force of the wind drove the Zeppelin away before the waiting crowds were able to seize the ropes. When she was 12 miles north of Marseilles Dr, Eckener restarted the motor in order to avoid being blown to sea. Finally he sent a message asking for permission to land at the naval airdrome at Toulon. The reply from the French authorities was: “Land anywhere you like, at any time. We will do everything to facilitate the landing.” Night threatened to fall before the airship found a safe descending point, but happily the conditions at Toulon were favourable, and the wind dropped. A small staff of attendants were able to catch the Zeppelin’s ropes, while 1,000 men were hurriedly summoned, in order to moor her. The airship landed at France’s chief aviation base without damage, and nobody was Injured. While the crowd and the staff of the airdrome held on to the ropes soldiers were rushed from Toulouse and crowds of volunteers appeared from the neighbouring factories. Within half an hour the Zeppelin was got into the hangar. The passengers and crew were landed by means of ladders. Many of the passengers showed signs of air sickness, owing to their buffeting while the airship was drifting. All passport and customs examination were waived. Everyone was relieved that the perilous journey had ended. The Zeppelin has been examined and only minor parts have been found to be strained. The engines will not be examined until the arrival of experts. Dr. Eckener now says he does not believe it to have been a case of foul play. The question whether the flight will be resumed or whether the Zeppelin will return to Germany has not yet been decided.