AVIATION

Evening Star, Issue 21116, 31 May 1932, Page 9

AVIATION

AUSTRALIA TO LONDON Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, May 30. James Weir, aged twenty-four, set out from Sydney to-day on a flight to London via Darwin. He is using a reconditioned Gipsy Moth fitted with a new engine. SEATTLE TO TOKIO BROWNE’S PLANE BURNED. SEATTLE, May 30. (Received May 31, at 12.60 p.m.) Mr C. Browne’s Fokker monoplane burst into flames here to-day when the hose from the refuelling plane touched it as it was attempting to fuel for the Elliott Bay. Both Browne and the refuelling aide, Frank Brooks, landed in the water but were rescued. Browne suffered an injured arm. If the air fuelling had been successful Brooks was to have alighted, leaving Browne alone for the flight. CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. SEATTLE, May 30. (Received May 31, at 1.5 p.m.) Browne is suffering from a dislocated shoulder and exposure. Brooks, who had made 2,169 parachute jumps, was uninjured. Brooks said the refuelling hose hit the stabiliser wire, which caused Browne to dive. As the plane headed down the wing collapsed. Both men used their parachutes. A new type of life-preserver worn by Browne on the shoulder saved his life.