Aeroplane Runs Amuck

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7336, 11 December 1933, Page 6

Aeroplane Runs Amuck

“ Prop ” Revved With Throttle Wide Open FINALLY CRASHES INTO MOTOR CAR Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. An unusual accident occurred at Te Rapa aerodrome, Hamilton, this morning, when a Moth aeroplane ran amuck with no one at tho controls, and after careering round the aerodrome, crashed into a new. motor-car standing at the entrance to the hangar. The machine, which belongs to tho Western Federated Flying Club, of Now Plymouth, was flown from New Plymouth yesterday by Mr Kenneth Bartlett, With a view to making a flight, Mr Bartlett gave the propeller a swing. Unluckily, the throttle was wide open, and the machine started forward, tlic pilot being struck and knocked down by one of the wings and receiving bruises to his back. Mr Gordon Lindsay made a frantic effort to reach the controls by jumping on to the moving machine, which, however, quickly gathered speed, forcing him to jump clear. Several bystanders made ' vain attempts to stop the machine by grasping the wings and tail. Somebody gave the tail a twist, with the result that (he machine swept round in a wide arc, finally crashing into a motor-car. The impact .was severe, and the aeroplane's propeller was snapped off, its wings broken, and the undercarriage shattered. The body of the motor-car was extensively damaged. Ulm at Auckland NON-STOP MAIL PLIGHT TO-MOR-ROW. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The Faith in Australia, with Mr C. T. P. ' Ulm and party, arrived at Mangere aerodrome from Hamilton yesterday afternoon. After a perfect landing, Mr Ulm and party were welcomed by the Mayor (Air G. Y>. Hutchinson) and Air E. R. Boucher (president of the Auckland Aero Club). Airs Ulm and Miss Rogers were presented with bouquets. In perfect summer weather, passenger flights were made yesterday and to-day. The monoplane will make a non-stop flight from Auckland to Invercargill with mail on Tuesday, leaving here at daybreak.