Fourteen Killed in Two ’Plane Crashes

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 231, 30 September 1936, Page 4

Fourteen Killed in Two ’Plane Crashes

MISHAPS TO ITALIAN PLANES

United Press Association—By Electric Telegrapn.—CopyriKtu. Received Tuesday, 9 p.m. ROME, Wept. 29. Nine were killed and one seriously injured when a seaplane carrying experts from Libya struck the mast of a steamer and crashed in Banghasi harnon r. Five were killed when a Savoia bomber on a training flight crashed at Uivita, Casteilana. Search Abandoned MISSING AIR-LINER LONDON, Sept. 29. The search for the missing Imperial Airways liner Boadicea has been abandoned.

A British Official Wireless message published on Saturday stated that no nows had been received of the Imperial Airways liner Boadicea, which left Croydon with surplus freight and mails at 12.30 p.m. on September 25, and from which the last wireless message was received at 1.30 p.m. No SOS was sent out. The aeroplane was due at Paris at 3 o’clock. It was stated that a search was being carried out in the Channel. The pilot and wireless operator were tho sole occupants, the machine carrying mails and freight.

A Queen of the Air

The Boadicea was, with her sistership the Britomart, handed over to Imperial Airways only last February. The manufacturers were tho Boulton and Paul Aircraft Company, of Norwich. She was equipped with 490 h.p. Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar engines, and was operated by a crew of two. There was accommodation for seven passengers, baggage and mails. The cruising speed was about 150 miles an hour at a height of about 5000 feet. Apart from the wing covering, the plane was practically of all-metal construction, with a weight when loaded of 4J tons. Her wing span was 54 feet, length 44 feet, and height 13ft. 2in.

Another Imperial Airways Mishap

ATHENA DESTROYED BY FIRE,

Received Wednesday, 1 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 29.

The Karachi-eastbound air liner Athena was destroyed by fire while taking off for Delhi. The passengers and crew qre safe, while the bulk of the air mails are undamaged. The ’plane carried those loaded for Australia from London.

The Athena caught fire while tho engines were starting up. A relief 'plane is en route to take on the mails, and there will be only a few hours' delay;.