MARLBOROUGH MOTH

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 184, 2 May 1929, Page 10

MARLBOROUGH MOTH

WHAT THE MISHAP SHOWED LITTLE DANGER OF BAD CRASH There was one good feature of the mishap to the Marlborough Aero Club’s Moth, according to a telegram the secretary (Mr. C. A. MacDonald), who accompanied Captain Chandler on the flight, has forwarded to the Minister of Defence, in response to the Hon. T. M. Wilford’s message of congratulation to the airmen on their safe arrival. On receipt of the news of the discovery of the aeroplane the Minister telegraphed to the airmen from Woodville as follows: —“Delighted to hear of your safe landing. I had every confidence in your ability to meet any emergency.” Replying yesterday, Mr. MacDonald expressed appreciation of the prompt measures taken by the Government in an endeavour to locate the aeroplane, adding that the mishap had one good feature in that it demonstrated that in the hands of a good pilot the danger of a bad crash in a modern machine was infinitesimal. The weather conditions and landing facilities were both shocking, but Captain Chandler had got the aeroplane down safely. The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) received from Mr. MacDonald the following telegram:— “Captain Chandler and I desire to express through you our deep gratitude to the Government, aero clubs, and other willing helpers to locate us. We regret mishap caused such widespread anxiety, and much appreciate everything done for us.” Captain Chandler’s Condition. According to a Press Association message received from Blenheim yesterday Mr. MacDonald is none the worse for his experience, but Captain Chandler will be confined to his bed, under medical attention, for a couple of days. The aeroplane, which suffered serious, damage as a result of Monday night’s storm, has been taken by a punt to Picton, where it was yesterday inspected by the Aero Club’s ground engineer.