THE MOLLISONS' MISHAP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21553, 26 July 1933, Page 8

THE MOLLISONS' MISHAP

Throughout the world there will he both sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. Mollison in their untoward experience in Connecticut and gratification at their escape from more serious injury. Each of them hns won admiration for courage and skill in long-distance flights, and their venture together on the arduous and hazardous east-to-west crossing of the Atlantic, the most trying portion of the long journey they had mapped out, attracted good wishes everywhere. That they achieved the east-to-west crossing must give them a considerable measure of satisfaction, yet they have had severe disappointment in a forced landing short of the welcomo awaiting them in New York. The circumstances of that landing indicate that they had reached the limit of their resources. As a matter of fact, little was between them and death. As experienced fliers, they knew the risks to be run and had apparently taken ample care in their preparations, but tho records of the east-to-west crossing show that it is scarcely possible to allow too wide a margin for contingencies. Heavy head winds, which are characteristic of much of the region, meant a besetment of weather worse than was anticipated. Under the conditions, they were fortunate to make their landfall when they did. Congratulations on their achievement arc tinged with relief at their emergence from a very trying ordeal. Mrs. Mollison's "I am jolly well pleased to be alive" covers the situation very well. It may usefully serve to discipline the thought of others essaying similar flights, and thus indirectly ensure a due caution whenever they are undertaken. Mr. and Mrs. Mollison havo accomplished so many outstanding feats in aviation that their decision to abandon the remainder of their intended journey can be made without any surrender of self-respect. They havo well earned the right to rest on their laurels.