DISASTER TO THE BRITISH NAVAL AIRSHIP “ASTRA TORRES,” ON JUNE 12. Tlio naval airship “Astra Torres” made a trial flight at Farnborough on, June 12. which nearly ended in. disaster. The airship was purchased by the Admiralty from the Astra Torres Company of Franco." The pilot was if. Georges Jnchme-s, a Frenchman. For 20 minutes the dirigible flew beautifully, and then, while at an altitude of about IDOOit. it suddenly buckled, and looked as though it were going to break in halves A hurried descent was at once made. The trouble was caused by the slipping of the belt which drives the fans, causing a failure to maintain pressure in the gas envelope. The airship partly resumed its normal shape when air was pumped into its balloonettos. This operation was in progress when the photo was taken. —Photo by Central News.

Otago Witness, Issue 3098, 30 July 1913, Page 44 (Supplement)

DISASTER TO THE BRITISH NAVAL AIRSHIP “ASTRA TORRES,” ON JUNE 12. Tlio naval airship “Astra Torres” made a trial flight at Farnborough on, June 12. which nearly ended in. disaster. The airship was purchased by the Admiralty from the Astra Torres Company of Franco." The pilot was if. Georges Jnchme-s, a Frenchman. For 20 minutes the dirigible flew beautifully, and then, while at an altitude of about IDOOit. it suddenly buckled, and looked as though it were going to break in halves A hurried descent was at once made. The trouble was caused by the slipping of the belt which drives the fans, causing a failure to maintain pressure in the gas envelope. The airship partly resumed its normal shape when air was pumped into its balloonettos. This operation was in progress when the photo was taken. —Photo by Central News.