Crossed and Crashed

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 211, 7 September 1936, Page 7

Crossed and Crashed

Kenya Airwoman's East-West Flight SUFFERED ONLY MINOR BRUISES United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph. —Copy rich t. Received Sunday 9.10 p.m. LOUTSBURG (Nova Scotia), Sept. 5. The Kenya aviatrix Mrs, Markham who took off from Abingdon, England, on an Atlantic flight with Mr. Arthur Gargett as companion, crashed at Euiine, ten miles from -■ here. She is suffering minor braises. Although anxious to proceed to New York by a special aeroplane sent for her, fatigue overcame Mrs. Markham on her arrival at Louisburg from the remote spot where the “Messenger" crashed and she went to bed postponing her journey until Sunday. Although the craft was almost a total wreck the aviatrix suffered only miuoi injuries, mostly scratches about the face, one of which requir'd «. surgieiu stiteh. Head winds, rain, fog and generally “lousy" weather, as Mrs. Markham described it, held down her speed. She covered 2700 miles in 2-1 hours 00 minutes. Shortage of petrol mado a forced landing necessary 800 miles from hci •goal, New York, and muddy conditions on tho farm on which she attempted to land caused tho accident. Mrs. Markham achieved the distinction of being Ihe iirst woman to fly the Atlantic solo east to west.

Husband and Son Delighted With Achievement Received Sunday, 9.30 p.m, LONDON, Sept. 5. Mr. Mansiicld Markham, tho airwoman's husband, who was motoring from home, Hurstgreen, Sussex, with his son to occupy tho time pending the receipt "T news, was delighted to hear of his wife’s arrival in'Newfoundland. The excitement was shared by his sou, aged seven, who was just able to appreciate tho significance of the achievement. Itichman and Merrill, the American airmen, described the flight as a very fine job. Plying a Pereivul Gull machine with t tank capacity for 3SUO miles at 150 miles an hour, Mrs. Markham left Abingdon aerodrome at 0.50 p.m. (summer time), being farewelled by a few friends. She had the benefit of a full moon in the early stages of the flight. The heaviiy-iadeu machine narrowly cleared the aerodrome. Mrs. Markham is a society woman whom Mr. Campbell Black, winner of the ALelbourne Centenary rair race, taught to fly in Kenya, after which she flew in the Past African air mail service. Mrs. Markham is 33 years of age, and has a son aged seven. She has had over 2000 hours' flying experience, and believes that in the future there will be an Atlantic air service. “It is not a romantic adventure." Shu carried no radio. The Americans who flew the Atlantic last Week, Itichman and Merrill, expressed astonishment at Airs. Alarkham’s departure, especially without radio, as the Weather Bureau reported that conditions were unfavourable for their immediate return. Aeronautical College for Australia Received Sunday, 7.30 p.m. MELBOURNE, Sept. 6. .Becauso they believe Australia will be faced in the near future with a serious shortage of trained pilots aud mechanics a group of aviation experts has placed before the Commonwealth Government proposals for the establishment in Alclbourne of an aeronautical college at a cost of about £35,000. The plan involves the provision of seven expert instructors in flying, navigation, wireless and engineering.