WORST ON RECORD

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 74, 24 September 1927, Page 9

WORST ON RECORD

DISTINGUISHED VICTIMS

/Cnited Press Association.—Copyright.) (Beceived 24th September, noon.) BERLIN, 23rd September. -There are now six deaths in the ■worst crash on record in German civil aviation. A hugo passengor airplane, engaged for some months in the Luft Hansa's Berlin-Munich service, en route for tho Munich, was passing over the bchletz when it developed a defect The pilot appeared to try to liihd. Some say a wing broke off; others that an explosion followed a shoot of flame from the engine, and after this a wing became detached at a height of 500 feet. The .'plane spun to earth and overturned ablaze at 300 feot. It was an inferno of fire wh.cn. it crashed and was dashed to pieces, under which tho occupants we're imprisoned. All were fearfully scorched and mutilated. The mechanic, Feller, was just alive, but soon expired. The others were apparently instantly ■ killed. CAtJSE A MYSTERY. Tho cause of the disaster is a mystery, as the 'plane was overhauled before^ sailing, and certificated airworthy. It had not entered the treacherous mountain zone when it collapsed. Baron yon Maltzan was on holiday from America, and had conferred with president HinSenberg and members of Cabinot. He had arranged to return to New York on 7th October, and was en route to Munich to rejoin his wife and little daughter. The others killed were Herr yon Arnin. the Luft Hansa's mechanical director, Herr Bool], Director of the Beich Bailways, tho pilot vwho had flown over the route for months, and also an apprentice pilot. It is recalled that Baron yon Maltznn came into diplomatic prominence as the originator of the Bapallo Treaty, and had a disagreement in 1914 with the Kaiser, who turned down a proposal to cede Tsingtao to Japan to prevent her entry into tho war.