FLYING-BOAT MISHAP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20679, 26 September 1930, Page 12

FLYING-BOAT MISHAP.

CUTTY SARK DAMAGED.

WING STRIKES WHARF PILE. ACCIDENT AT NEW PLYMOUTH. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH. Thursday. Tho flight of the Cutty Sark flying boat from tho Hobsonvillo air baso to Wellington has been temporarily abandoned owing to an unfortunate accident when taking off from New Plymouth harbour this morning, tho wing of tho flying boat being damaged by coming into contact with a pilo of tho Newton King Wharf. Tho inachino was piloted by SquadronLoader L, M. Isitt, who was accompanied by Wing-Commandcr Grant Dallon and Corporal Smith, mechanic. Thoy loft Auckland at 7 o'clock this morning and aftor a good trip reached New Plymouth shortly beforo 9 o'clock, circling over tho town before proceeding to port. The climatic conditions were not favourable. A strong northerly wind was blowing so that tho sea was choppy. However, tho Cutty Sark mado a good landing. It was decided to tow her in between the Newton King Wharf and tho Moturoa Wharf for rofuelling. Aftor refuelling tho flying boat turned into tho wind between the two wharves preparatory to taking off. Unfortunately tho machine was too closo to tho Newton King Wharf and slowed into tho wharf, the end of tho wing striking a pilo. At first it was hopod to effect temporary repairs and continue the flight to Wellington to-day, but owing to the weather growing worse it was. later decided to remain here for tho night and roturn to-morrow morning to Auckland to effect permanent repairs.