ZEPPELIN LANDS SAFELY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19623, 20 May 1929, Page 9

ZEPPELIN LANDS SAFELY.

CRUISE ENDS IN FRANCE. ATLANTIC FLIGHTS TOO HAZARDOUS. SUGGESTION OF SABOTAGE. (tnraan *»«a.A«soaA*to»-aT mlhtuc tbleoeaph—coPTaioar.) (Received May 19th, 5.5 p.m.) BERLIN, May 18. News of the Graf Zeppelin's landing at Ouera, Prance, was received with deep thankfulness, following an afternoon of Increasing alarm. The fate of the Zeppelin was the only topic of conversation everywhere. Broadcasting stations abandoned part of their programmes to-night in order to send out the latest news.

It is generally admitted that the mishap shows trans-Atlantic flights are too hazardous for an airship as small as the Graf Zeppelin, and they must follow Britain's example and build bigger and stronger airships if they are to become a commercial proposition. An official at Friedrichshafen, questioned concerning a report that the airship 's plight was due to an act of sabotage, said a full enquiry would be made as soon as it returned, when the report would be investigated. Before Dr. Eckener, commander of the airship, reached Valence he broadcasted a wireless message asking: "What are the best located landing places in your vicinity? Please advise Valence Garrison to have troops in readiness." Thenceforward the Graf Zeppelin was continually sending wireless messages or dropping handwritten notes to earth, each with an argent plea to organise troops at all available aerodromes.

Broadside to Wind. In response to hit appeals troops were hurriedly drafted to Valence Aerodrome and given instructions as to handling the Zeppelin, hot later Dr. Eckener signalled that he Intended trying another course instead of risking landing. After the airship reached Avignon, the wind was somewhat less violent, though it was still hindering navigation, the airship being often observed broadside on to the wind.

Over Carpentras it was twice turned round upon its axis by the force of the wind, the crowd below watching openmouthed fearing it would break in two. Efforts to land failed, one at Ancone, and the other at Istres, near Marseilles. The force of the wind drove the Zeppelin away before the waiting crowds were able to seise the ropes. Twelve miles north of Marseilles Dr. Eckener restarted the motor in order t« avoid bein<? blown to sea. Finally he wire?e«aed asking permission to land at the Naval Aerodrome at Toulon. The reply from the French authorities was: "Land anywhere you like at any time. We will do everything to facilitate it." Night threatened before the monster airship fouad a safe descending point, but happily circumstances at Toulon were favourable and the wind dropped. A small staff of attendants were able to catch the Zeppelin's ropes, while 1000 men were hurriedly summoned in order to moor her.

Jt«w Engines Dispatched. The airship tended at France's chief aviation base without damage, and no- ' body was injured. While the crowd and staff of the aerodrome held on to the ropes, soldiers were rushed from Toulon, and crowds of volunteers appeared from nearby factories. Within naif an hour the Zeppelin was got into a hangar. The passengers and crew were landed by means of ladders. Many of the former showed signs of airsickness owing to the buffeting received while drifting. All passport and Customs examinations were waived. Everyone was relieved that the perilous journey had ended. The Zeppelin Company, as toon as it heard that the Graf Zeppelin had landed, wirelessed the French _ Air Ministry: "Thanks for your kindness and wonderful services and advice during the hours of anxiety." The French Government has granted permission for the Company to send new engines for the airship, And four new engines have been dispatched to Toulon by train. Dr. Duerr, chief constructor at the Zeppelin works, accompanies them, and will superintend the installation. —Australian Press Association.

FLIGHT MAT BE RESUMED. (Received May 19th, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 19. Toulon report* that the Graf Zeppelin baa been examined, and only minor parts have been found to be •trained. The engines will not be examined until the arrival of experts. Dr. Eokener says he does not believe it to be a case of foul play. The Question whether they will resume the flight or return to Germany ha-= not yet been decided.—Australian Press Association. EARLIER MESSAGES. LONDON, May 17. Dr. Eekener, the commander, in a wireless message received earlier from , the Graf Zeppelin, stated that he intended trying to land at Valence. The message indicated that serious damage had occurred to the airship, eausing considerable alarm. The French authorities at Valsnee wirelessed that the Zeppelin had arrived and apparently stopped her engines and drifted away to the southeast before a stiff wind. The airship was later seen over SailUna. She obviously had dlffloulty in turning about, and apparently waa unable to resist the wind, which was driving her southward at 20 miles an hour. Sir Hubert Wilkins wirelessed the "Evening Standard" that there was no danger and all were cheerful. The fuel was estimated to last a week, which waa comforting to all aboard. Later news from Berlin stated that the th'rd motor was amiss, and the Zeppelin was doing only about eight miles and a half hourly. There waa reported to be some pessimism at the capital, official circles being anxious. [Cuers is in the extreme south of France, a few miles inland of the naval base of Toulon.]