AIR DISASTER

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1937, Page 9

AIR DISASTER

PLUNGE INTO DEEP.

WATER

ELEVEN LIVES LOST

CAUSE OBSCURE

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received February 11, 10.30 a.m.) SAN FRANCISCO, February- 10. A transport aeroplane with 11 people aboard plunged, into the bay when en route from Los Angeles to the San Francisco airport. The splasji and roar were heard in a village three miles away. Coastguard and police boats rushed to the scene and placed flares in the water, but no sign of the aeroplane was found at the time. The water is extremely deep. Officials of. the air line are puzzled to explain the cause of the tragedy, because the sky was clear at the time. The eleven occupants of the aeroplane have been, given up .as dead. The huge 21-passenger Douglas was found floating/ upside down and partially submerged. Efforts to tow it ashore. were .unsuccessful, and were abandoned. A derrick and a diver have been ordered to the scene. .Ambulances and doctors remained throughout the night at the airport, although it seemed certain that the occupants were dead. The ship apparently landed on its nose, which was pushed . back. The fuselage'appeared to be intact, but the tail was smashed badly. Experienced' pilots suggested that the pilot,. Tommy; Thompson, a veteran flyer, "misjudged his. altitude. The dispatcher at the airport stated that he conversed by wireless with Thompson and gave him landing instructions. He was then amazed to see the aeroplane circle and head out to sea. Eight.of the passengers were representatives of wealth, society, and business, including Mr. Mark Montana, petroleum millionaire, of San Fran"cisco. ' Airport officials and those of the Department of Commerce decline; to 'discuss the disaster.' , Forty-three persons have been killed in five crashes' in. the Far "West since December. 12.- . •