EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO AIR LINER

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22271, 9 December 1937, Page 11

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO AIR LINER

♦ CAUSE OF CRASH IN BRINDISI HARBOUR (Received December 8, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 7. The Brindisi correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that the Cygnus, the Empire air-liner which crashed in Brindisi harbour, is still heavily guarded by police, but it is revealed that both wings are torn out of the sockets, the nose is smashed off, the bottom of the hull is torn off, the aluminium overlay is split over the whole of the machine, the cabin floor has disappeared, instruments and cables are hanging loose, and both port engines are split. The Imperial Airways’ experts, whose inquiry is continuing in secret, refused to express an opinion why there is such ruin. It is understood that the Italian air authorities have already concluded that the accident was not due to a breakdown of the engine or the inefficiency of the pilot and crew. The passengers who were injured in the accident are progressing, except Phabu Datt Sharma, of Karachi, who is still on the danger list, with undetermined injuries. Sharma is holder of a Viceroy’s trophy for the Round India flying race. Air Marshal Sir John Salmond arrived in Rome to-day, and drove to a private hospital, where he may remain for several days. He has difficulty in using his arms.