TRANS-ATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20630, 20 August 1932, Page 15

TRANS-ATLANTIC FLIGHT.

MOLLISON'S venture. NO WORD AFTER 23 HOURS. (UNITED TRTiSS ASSOCIATION— BT ELECTRIC ■IELBOBAPH—CorTRIGHt.) (Received August 19th, 9.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, August 19. There is still no report of J. A. Mollison's whereabouts, approximately 23 hours after his departure from lieland On his trans-Atlantic flight. The time is said to be the point of fuel exhaustion. Dr. J. H. Kimball (the noted aviation meteorologist) in a late weather report, saitl that although Molli&on started off with even chances on weather, tho indications of subsequent developments have lessened his chances of reaching Newfoundland. He will not have much fuel to spare, as ho approaches the Atlantic coast. It is particularly unfortunate that a low pressure area and storms along the New England coast suddenly gained velocity on their courses north-east-ward to-night. The direction of their travel indicates that head winds will blow directly against the aeroplane for' over SQO miles, with increasing gales as Hie flight progre>se«.

A GOOD START. AIRMAN SIGNALS TO LINER. LONDON, August IS. Mr J. A. Mollison's aeroplane had a perfect take-off from Portmarnoek beach, after a run of a few hundred yards. The airman said he proposed to fly at half-throttle, thereby increasing his maximum range. He would still be in the air after having flown 4050 miles in 38 hours. The aeroplane carried petrol and oil equivalent to the weight of ' eight adults, the greatest weight ever imposed on a light aeroplane. Mollison passed Galway 70 minutes after leaving Portmarnoek, making 104 miles an hour, aided by a following wind of 15 miles an hour. The weather and visibility were favourable. The Ascania at 5 o'clock last evening (British 9ummer time) sighted Mollison going well, 550 miles west of the Irish coast. Tho weather was clear and the sea calm. The airman was flying low. He waved as he passed close alongside the liner.

CHANGE IN WEATHER. (Received August 19th, 7 p.m.) ST. JOHN'S (Newfoundland), Aug. IS. The weathor, which has been clear, changed for the worse on Tuesday night as Mollison was believed to be winging his way here. At midnight the sky seaward was overcast and the moon invisible. Mollison is not expected till daylight.