GLIDER TRIALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 64, 17 March 1930, Page 5

GLIDER TRIALS.

ACCIDENT TO CLUB CAPTAIN. TWO SUCCESSFUL FLIGHTS, CATAPULT FLIES BACK. After two successful attempts made by the Xew Zealand Model Aero and Glider Club on Sunday to fly their big glider, an accident happened to the club captain, Mr. F. C. Macdonald, of 17, Honiara Street, Kemuera. A catapult was being used to propel the machine, and the loose'end of an improvised, extension struck Mr. Macdonald across the eyes. He was unable to see out of his left eye, and was conveyed to the hospital, where it uiay be necessary to operate. The trials were being made in a field opposite St. John's College, on the Panmure Road. Mr. Macdonald was seated at the controls in the third attempt. It had been found previously that the catapult was insufficient in length, and a rope was attached on which to pull. Six men were on each end of the catapult, and it had been extended some distance when a Joint gave way, the loose and flying back and striking the club captain with considerable force.

A height of eight or nine feet was reached in the first attempt, and the glider continued some 175 ft, when a perfect landing was made. The rudder control was damaged, and this was repaired before the second attempt was made. This time a height of 20ft was reached, and 250 yards was travelled before an easy landing was made. Neither trial was made to test the distance that could be flown, and the catapult was not fully extended.

The glider was made by the club. Its wing span is 37ft. An attempt to fly it was made at the Hobsonville aerodrome some time ago, but the glider was damaged owing to a hitch in taking off.