Mrs. Putnam Crashes When Taking Off At Honolulu; No One Hurt

Northern Advocate, 22 March 1937, Page 5

Mrs. Putnam Crashes When Taking Off At Honolulu; No One Hurt

(Received 10 a.m.) r . HONOLULU, March 20. rpiiE proposed round-the-world flight of Mrs Putnam came to an end this morning when her aeroplane crashed at Honolulu as she was attempting to take off for Howland Island shortly after seven o’clock. The machine was badly damaged, but the occupants were not hurt. " The right front tyre blew out as the aeroplane was roaring along the runway at the Luke Field, and it wobbled arid skidded, but did not leave the ground. The strain tore the wheel off, the right wing dipped and was badly torn, one gasoline tank was punctured, the right motor case was cracked, and the rear fuselage tom and dented. .

Flight Postponed.

The occupants at the time comprised Mrs Putnam, her navigator, Captain Harry Manning, and her co-pilot, Mr F. J. Noonan. As the result of the accident ;the flight was indefinitely postponed. The airwoman and her two companions sailed by the steamer Malolo at noon for Los Angeles. The damaged aeroplane is to be shipped to a factory for repairs.

Before leaving, Mrs Putnam said definitely that the flight was not abandoned. She would try again later. She was not demonstrative, but obviously disappointed though calm after the crash.

“Theories For Crash.”

“We are not hurt,” she remarked. “Only our spirits are bruised.” Various theories are advanced as to the cause of the accident, including one that the aeroplane skidded when passing over the wet grass on the runway. The actual cause may never be determined*.

On board the liner, the airwoman said: “I shall be back.” She made no other statement.