’PLANE MEETS FOG

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 July 1939, Page 10

’PLANE MEETS FOG

EMERGENCY LANDING.

[FEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

BLENHEIM, July 16

An emergency landing on the small flat of Tira Ora. in the heart of the hill country of Pelorus Sound, was made at 9.50 a.m. to-day by a Tiger Moth belonging to the Middle Districts (Manawatu) Aero Club. No one was ■injured, and as far as is known the machine was not damaged, and may be flown out after being transferred by water to a suitable field. Full details were not available, but it is evident from the nature of the Sounds country that the pilot effected a remarkable landing. It was gathered that the pilot (Mr. Howell, of Palmerston North), with Miss Mabel Page as a passenger, left Wellington this morning for Nelson, and encountered a heavy fog on the way. He decided it. was not wise to go on. Tlieir attention being attracted by the sound of the aeroplane’s approach, settlors nearby were astonished to see the machine circling as the pilot sought. Ii place to land. Mr. Howell elected to put the machine down on the property of Mr. R. D. Black. Tira Ora. near Te Rawa, some 20 miles from Havelock. There was little flat land in the neighbourhood, but the pilot brought off a successful landing. Miss Page went by launch to Havelock, and completed the journey to Nelson by car. The pilot remained with the aeroplane, which in the morning will be transferred to a point from which it may be towed to the emergency landing field at Manaroa or Eli Bay, whence Mr. Howell will takeoff.