’PLANE SIGHTED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 121, 23 April 1936, Page 9

’PLANE SIGHTED

MISSING R.A.F. MACHINE. IN TIMBER COUNTRY. AIRMEN ALIVE. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, April 22. The Air Force Dragon Rapide aeroplane which has been missing since April 13 was sighted from the air today at 2.30 p.m., crashed in timber country in the Northern Territory, and 40 miles from the nearest waternole. Flight-Gieutenant iiely and Leading-Aircraftsman \\ alkington were leaping round, apparently fit and anxious to indicate that they were unharmed. The third man, Beading-Air-craftsman Sherwood, was not seen then, but he was reported later. A message to this effect was received by the Air Board at Melbourne front Flight-Lieutenant Simms, who added: “1 dropped food and water, and tomorrow will proceed by truck to pick up the men.” A later mossage from Simms states that the missing aeroplane was located bv the Air Force Hawker Demons about 50 miles north-east of Wavehill, and close to a stock route where water is available at regular intervals. At least six aeroplanes have been engaged latterly, the search covering 5000 miles daily over the'most inhospitable, arid, spinnifex, broken granite country. The search ’planes had followed many false clues. To-day, however, they continued in the direction of the broad arrow which was discovered with the result that the missing machine was located. It was not nearly so far away as anticipated. It was ascertained from a number of stockmen camped near Victoria Downs station that they had seen the Air Force ’plane on Easter Monday since when .it had not been reported. The stockmen indicated the direction in which the machine -was flying which was most helpful in the day’s search. A party from Victoria Downs station will set out in a motor truck early to-morrow to rescue the stranded airmen. The ground party will be directed by aeroplane. THIRD MAN SEEN. APPARENTLY UNINJURED. Received April 23, 10.25 a.m. SYDNEY, April 23. When the Demon ’plane made the second trip to the scene the third member of the crew (Sherwood) was seeil. He also appeared fit. The land party expects to reach the scene of the forced landing (not a crash) this afternoon. The wings of the Dragon Rapide apyeared to be damaged.