MYSTERIOUS CRASH INTO 'FRISCO BAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1937, Page 7

MYSTERIOUS CRASH INTO 'FRISCO BAY.

ELEVEN KILLED.

Disaster After Circling

Over 'Drome.

MILLIONAIRE AS PASSENGER.

United Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received 10.30 a.m.) SAN FRANCISCO, February 10,

A transport aeroplane with 11 people on board plunged into the bay when arriving from Los Angeles. The occupants have been given up for dead.

A roar and a splash were heard at a village three miles away and coastguard and police boats rushed to the scene of the accident. The water is extremely deep.

Officials of the air line are puzzled to explain the cause of the crash as there were clear skies at the time.

Ambulances and doctors remained throughout the night at the airport, although it seemed certain that the occupants were dead. The machine apparently landed on its nose and hurtled over on its back. The fuselage appeared to be intact, but the tail was smashed badly. Experienced pilots suggested that the pilot, Tommy Thompson, a veteran flyer, misjudged his altitude. A dispatcher at the airport stated that he had conversed by wireless with Pilot Thompson and gave him landing instructions. He was then amazed to see the aeroplane circle and head out to sea. No Passengers' Bodies Found. A coastguard reported that he found only three bodies in the wreckage—those of the two pilots and the stewardess. The top of the cabin had been sheered off and the eight other victims apparently were thrown out. These have not yet been recovered.

The huge 21-passenger Douglas 'plane was found floating upside down, partially submerged. Efforts to tow the wreck ashore were unsuccessful, and it was abandoned. A derrick and a diver were ordered to the scene.

The eight passengers were representatives of wealth, society and business. They included Mark Fontana, a petroleum millionaire.

San Francisco airport and Department of Commerce officials declined to discuss the incident.

A total of 43 persons has been killed in live crashes in western States since December 15.

AIR MAIL SURCHARGE.

Outcry Over Australian Impost Expected. EXTENSION TO NEW ZEALAND. LONDON, February 10. "The Times," in a leading article, says: "Australia at last has entered with some enthusiasm into the project for accelerating the Empire air mails. The Commonwealth Government has yet to face the likelihood of a public outcry against the payment of a surcharge while letters not surcharged arrive by air mail from England.

"Eventually the demand for air transport without extra charge will probably be irresistible when, with the extension of the route, letters from New Zealand will pass through Australia to Kngland at the ordinary rates. Therefore it may be concluded that the Commonwealth is resigned to the ultimate concessions which all other communities on the Kmpire routes have already approved."

AIR MAILS TO CEYLON.

FEEDER TO MAIN SERVICE. .(Received 12 noon.) COLOMBO, February Ift. It has been decided to link up with the Anglo-Australian air mail service by means of a feeder route to Ceylon. The Empire flying boat Castor, making its maiden voyage from England, arrived at Alexandria a day before it was expected, having averaged l(i.> in.p.h. on a non-stop run from Marseilles. The start was held up for three days.