50 MILES WITH DEAD CREW.

Taihape Daily Times, 7 April 1919, Page 7

50 MILES WITH DEAD CREW.

WONDERFUL FLIGHT OF UNCONTROLLED AEROPLANE.

A strange incident, in which .a, British aeroplane flew for 50 miles with the pilot and observer dead in their scats, is recalled in connection with the exhibition of war trophies at Australia House, London. One of the exhibits is >a- German aeroplane of the Albatross scout type, the first to be brought down intact by the Australian (squadron in France. Its capture had a curious sequel. On December IT, 1918, an Australian machine, which was co-operating with a heavy battery, was attacked by six enemy aeroplanes, of this type. The pilot drove 'down this particular machine with a damaged engine, and with the aid of another Australian aeroplane drove the enemy off after ■a. short, but, hot, action. This second Australian machine was then returned to its aerodrome for more ammunition. The first did not return, and tlTe following night it was found in. a field fifty air-line miles from ithe scene cf combat, with both pilot and observer dead in their scats. It was proved conclusively that both men had been killed instantaneously by a bullet, and that the machine had flown in wide circles, drifting with the air, for some hours, until the petrol ran cart, when it came down in a steep glide, and landed without completely wrecking itself.