AIRMAN LOST OVER LONDON.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 16, 18 January 1913, Page 17

AIRMAN LOST OVER LONDON.

FRENCHMAN WHO MISSED HIS BEARINGS ON THE WAY TO HENDON. An unusual spectacle was witnessed on Thursday, December 5, wien an aeroplane was seen to be circling over the City. It appeared that Mr. _anio, the French airman, lost his way when flying from Sittingbourne to Hendon. On Wednesday Mr Manio flew from Margate to Sltt—gbourne. On Thursday morning the conditions for flying were excellent when he started from the Kentish town. Manio found the atmosphere thick when he arrived near London, and before he realised where he was travelling he found himself over the City. After circling two or three times over the Bank of England, he got his bearings and flew east until he struck open country, when he turned north, encircled the metropolis, and came down near Hendon. Engine trouble prevented him from reaching the aerodrome. M. Manio on Sunday left Boulogne sands in a Bleriot-Gnome 50-h.p. monoplane, with the intention of flying to Folkestone. The

strong south-westerly wind, however, carried him over the North Sea, and be made an adventurous journey, eventually alighting in safety at Margate. This is the first time that a winter crossing of tbe Channel has been accomplished by aeroplane, and the mist and extreme cold added to the perils of tie trip.