LOST AEROPLANE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22167, 22 July 1935, Page 8

LOST AEROPLANE

FLIGHT NOT COMPLETED SETTLER AS PILOT MISSING IN HAWKE'S BAiY JOURNEY IN HEAVY FOG SEARCH TO BE MADE [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] HASTINGS. Sunday Fears are entertained for the safety of Mr. Hamish Armstrong, a wellknown breeder, of Akitio, about 30 miles from Dannevirke, who left his home at 10 a.m. to-day in his Moth aeroplane for Hastings, but has not been seen since. Mr. Armstrong was due to return home shortly before dark, but it was then learned that he had not arrived at Hastings. There was a heavy fog during most of the day along the route which he would travel. He should have arrived at Hastings within two hours after leaving his residence. Residents of Ongaonga, 15 miles inland from Waipukurau, heard an aeroplane pass overhead, flying in the direction of Hastings, about 11 o'clock, but it was not seen, and its description was not given. A few minutes later a machine was heard over Gardiner and Yeoman's timber mill, in the Wbakarara ranges, about 10 miles in a direct line from Ongaonga toward Hastings.

Engine Running Sfrell

Mr. F. 0. Gosling, an employee at the mill, said to-night that he had heard an aeroplane passing over the ranges shortly after 11 a.m. He thought that it would be practically over the top of the ranges. The ranges were hidden by fog and it was impossible to see the machine, but the engine appeared to be running smoothly. Although the aeroplane was not seen, it is likely that it was that of Mr. Armstrong, as it would have been about 11 o'clock when he would have passed over Ongaonga. Statement by Wife

Mrs. Armstrong stated to-night that she had expected her husband home about dusk and she was not concerned for his safety until then. She said Mr. Armstrong was the only occupant of the aeroplane. An extensive search by aeroplane will be carried out to-morrow. Machines from the Wairarapa, Masterton and Wellington Aero Clubs will take part and flights will be made over a wide area. After having been foggy all today, the atmosphere is clearing and it is expected that if Mr. Armstrong has been forced down the search to-morrow will have every possibility of locating his machine.