PLANE TRAGEDY

Evening Star, Issue 22571, 12 February 1937, Page 14

PLANE TRAGEDY

THE SAN FRANCISCO CRASH POSSIBLE EXPLANATION [Per United Press Association.] SAN FRANCISCO, February 11. In connection with the aeroplane tragedy, Mr C. D. Roper, Secretary of Commerce, said that early reports indicated that the pilot, dissatisfied with the first glide towards the landing, flew over the bay to prepare for a second attempt. He turned the plane, and the right tip of the 90ft wing apparently hit the water, causing the disaster. Structural or engine failure was unlikely. Major Schreedor, chief investigator for the Department of Commerce, has been sent to the coast to direct the investigation. Mr Roper announced 11 recommendations resulting from the recent Air Safety Conference, involving the use by all air lines'of a new and improved instrument, stricter training of pilots, including flying blind, and better approach lights at air ports. MILLIONAIRE'S BODY RECOVERED SAN FRANCISCO, February 11. Coastgiiardsmen with grappling hooks recovered the body of Mr Mark Fontana from the muddy bottom of the bay. It bore evidence that he had struggled desperately to escape. A preliminary examination indicated that death resulted from drowning. The search will be discontinued tonight. It is now believed that the crew remained with the plane while the passengers endeavoured to escape.