FALL OF 3000 FEET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15563, 21 March 1914, Page 5 (Supplement)

FALL OF 3000 FEET.

AIRMAN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE. Probably the most marvellous escape from death that an airman has ever had was experienced recently by Charles Niles, a young American. He tried to loop the loop in an aeroplane at Garden City, Long Island, New York. The attempt failed, but the spectators got more thrills than if he had performed the feat a dozen times. Incidentally Mr. Niies proved that there is hardly any situation too desperate for an aviator to vercomeproviding always that lie keeps his nerve, and that his machine does not beak down.

Mr. Niles ascended 5000 ft in long spiral curves, and then tried the loop. All went well with him until the aeroplane was pointed straight up in the air. Then the gasolene drained away' from the engine, and it "stalled-" The aeroplane, bereft of its power, shot towards the earth lor 1000 ft, tail foremost. Then it trtrned over and dropped like a stone for another 1000 ft with its tail pointing straight tipward.

Officials of the Aero Club and spectators gasped with honor, and there were shouts of "He's done." All rushed to get out of the way of the falling aeroplane. But they had not calculated on the coolness and resource of the young aviator. By skilful manipulalion'of his levers Niles succeeded in arresting the fall of the machine, which had dropped so rapidly that it was hard to follow its course. It seemed to catch the air after, a long skid to the left, only to shoot off on another slide to the right. Then, when it was less than 200 ft above ground, it swung gracefully upward, and the even throbbing of the motor was heard again, showing that Niles had the aeroplane under control, though he was flying upside down. •So near to earth did the aeroplane come that the tan straps fastened over Nile's shoulders to hold him in his seat could be seen plainly, and he waved one hand to reassure the frightened spectators, notwithstanding hii reversed position. To the surprise of all, Niles. even after such a terrifying experience, did not come to earth, but continued flying. He sailel away towards the east, where he "limbed upward until he brought his. monoplane back into its normal position. Then he circled back until he was over the place from which he started and came to ground. On landing he was surrounded by thi officials, who warmly congratulated him both on his skill and his luck. Niles . said that all, the time he was tearing towards the ground he knew that he was safe if only he could .get. the engine to start, and ( if ..the machine were strong enough, to I stand the ever-increasing strain.