THRILLING AIR FEAT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 28 March 1923, Page 5

THRILLING AIR FEAT

DESCENT FROM AEROPLANE PARACHUTIST’S GREAT LEAP

The spectacular climax tor the Auckland Carnival Floral Fete, was a parachute descent from an aeroplane, says the Herald. Mr Albert Eastwood, who made the descent, stated afterwards that lie made the best landing he had ever effected., He alighted successfully in an open paddock near the Ladies’ Mile. The leap from the aeroplane was made at an. altitude of about 4500 ft., while the machine \vas travelling at. a speed of over 90 miles an hour. Mr Eastwood had to walk out on tho left wing along a 3in. stay to where the three parachutes had been carefully folded. To his concern he discovered that they had become twisted together through the force of the wind and there was a little delay before lie completed the difficult task of separating them while m his dangerous position. He then sat on the trapeze of the first parachute, and when the pilot had judged the distance he gave the word ,cut the safety cords, and fell backwards, holding on by his one free hand and carrying tho three parachutes with him. mnft. There was a sheer drop, of about. 309 ft. during whjeh Mr Eastwood was falling head foremost hojding on by nothing hut ms hands. The first parachute then opened with a terrific jerk, and for a minute or so swayed in mid-air until the airman cut the opened parachute adrift. There was another drop of about 300 ft, before the second parachute opened,. while the last parachute dropped quite 500 f- before it opened. Mr Eastwood paid a tribute-, to the skilful manner, in which the pilot, Mr George Bolt, handled the aeroplane. Foi a considerable time the latter was •ob liged to navigate the machine with Mr Eastwood and the bulky parachutes out on one wing. As Mr Eastwood weighs over list., and the three parac’iutes about lewt., this feat was a matter of delicate handling to prevent the , plane, rocking. Nevertheless, the machine w?s kept perfectly steady until the leap was m Later in the afternoon Mr Eastwood made a tour of the grounds :n a.motorcar, and was , greeted with ringing cheers. .