PLANES TURN BACK

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 12

PLANES TURN BACK

Bad Weather At McMurdo

Reports of a blizzard at McMurdo Sound forced four Globemasters which had left Christchurch airport early yesterday afternoon for Antarctica to turn back. The leading Globemaster had just reached the point of safe return when the decision to recall the planes was made early in the evening. The plane had then flown about 1000 miles, about half-way to McMurdo Sound.

The Globemasters, carrying men and supplies for Antarctic bases, had been awaiting favourable weather reports, and when it was known that the weather had improved at McMurdo Sound the planes immediately took off. Because wind-driven snow had reduced visibility to a mile, no flights had been made to McMurdo Sound in the previous two days. It was hoped that, with favourable weather forecast, the delay in flying supplies to Antarctic bases would be ended, and it was ’ planned to have the Globemasters operating on round trips. The recall of the planes will mean that the departure of several scientists who arrived from the United States yesterday and were to fly to McMurdo Sound today may also be delayed. Brigadier-General A. B. Cannon, commander of the wing supplying the Antarctic bases, arrived yesterday from the United States. Seventeen scientists and nine American journalists also arrived yesterday from the United States in* a DC-6.