'PLANE BURNT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 255, 27 October 1934, Page 10

'PLANE BURNT.

DUTCH MACHINE.

Americans Protest Against

Persian Hold Up.

ARRESTED BY THE POLICE

(United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, October 2(5

A message from Allahabad states that the Dutch Panderjager 'plane when taking off after repairs, was taxi-ing to the edge of the aerodrome at dusk -when it collided with a motorcar carrying the beacon light and immediately took fire. The pilots, G. J. Geysendorfer and D. L. Astes, leapt out and -were uninjured. The machine was destroyed. A Karachi dispatch says that tlic American competitors, J. H. Wright and J. Polniulo, have abandoned the flight. They say an airlock in the petrol feed caused a forced landing at Mohammerah, in Persia, and as the runway for the take-off was too small Mr. Polando, with his kit, started to walk to Abadau, seven miles away.

The. Persian police arrested both, declaring that they were only permitted to land at Busliire and .Task. If they made a forced landing elsewhere they must take the consequences. The airmen complained but an armed military sentry was posted over them.

The- airmen claim that they were badly treated by the Persians ami given only a sandwich to cat and nothing to drink. They will complain to the American Consul demanding that Persia refund the expenses incurred in the race, as they were balked of chances of winning the handicap.

AT A GLANCE

PROGRESS OF COMPETITORS

The progress of competitors still in the Centenary air race is indicated in the following summary, figures iri parentheses give handicaps:—

Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor and Mr. H. C. Walker (N.Z., 35h 22m 12s). —Reached Darwin yesterday morning; en route to Charleville.

Squadron-Leader J. D. Hewett, Flying Officer C. E. Kay and Mr. F. Stewart (N.Z., 21h 9m).—Arrived at Darwin.

Lieutenant M. Hansen and Mr. Jensen (42h 2m 245). —Left Batavia for Rambang.

Squadron-Leader D. E. Stodart and Mr. K. G-. Stodart (20h 51m 365). Left Batavia for Rambang. Mr. C. J. Melrose (40h 58m 12s). — Arrived at Batavia.

Flight-Lieutenant G. Shaw (39h 54m 365). —Smashed undercarriage landing at Bushire, Tuesday. Messrs. J. H. Wright and J. Polando (13h llm 245). —Abandoned flight at Karachi.

Mr. C. G. Davies (17h 10m 48s).—At Bagdad Tuesday.

Mr. H. L. Brook and Miss Lay (36h 27m 365). —Awaiting fresh propeller at Athens.