FLIGHT ACROSS TASMAN

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 8 June 1931, Page 4

FLIGHT ACROSS TASMAN

COMPLETION BY CHICHESTER. BAD WEATHER. ENCOUNTERED. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) SYDNEY June 7. Flying in extremely bad weather and contending with rain and poor visibility, Mr F. C. Chichester alighted at Jervis Bay alongside the air-craft-carrier Albatross, thus completing his flight from New Zealand to Australia after months of delay at Lord Howe Island. Mr Chichester said he left Lord Howe Island in good flying conditions. Strong north-easterly winds and heavy clouds developed with heavy rain early j in the flight. ’ v “A sight taken on the passage showed that I was to the southward of my estimated position,” said Mr Chichester, “but an engine defect made it necessary to steer a course giving a favourable wind. I first sighted the Australian coast to the north of Jervis Bay.” Sea conditions prevented Mr Chichester's departure for Sydney, and there will be further delay while the engine, is being overhauled. The seaplane is now accommodated on the Albatross. HAND INJURY SUFFERED. Received 10.30 a.m., to-day. SYDNEY, Juno 8. Bad luck continues for Mr. F G. Chichester. While assisting in placing his ’plane aboard the Albatross for remains he had his hand caught between the machine and the ship, the top of one finger .being taken off, and his. hand l being crushed and lacerated, rather badly. Ho is now in hospital aboard the Albatross. In all probabilitv the ’plane will now be brought to Sydney by a seaplane carrier.