FORCED LANDING

Southland Times, Issue 22046, 20 June 1933, Page 5

FORCED LANDING

IMPERIAL AIRWAYS PLANE.

RAN SHORT OF PETROL.

(United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright.)

Darwin, June 19.

The mission lugger St. Francis arrived at 9.30 last night from Bathurst Island. Brother Smith, of the Bathurst Island Mission, says the aeroplane made a good landing and all were well. , _ , , The St. Francis • left Bathurst Island at' 5.30 on Saturday afternoon and fought strong head winds and head seas. The usual time for the trip is six hours. The lugger will leave as soon as her cargo is on board, but it is unknown when the Astrea will leave the island.

The Imperial Airways plane Astrea, which has been surveying the EnglandAustralia air route, ran short of petrol and landed at the aerodrome on Bathurst Island. Arrangements were made to send petrol and oil across by launch. Bathurst Island has an emergency landing ground, a mile from the Roman Catholic Mission station, so the plane’s crew should be well cared for. Strong south-easterly winds were blowing and visibility was bad owing to bush fires along the coast.

DARWIN REACHED

FLYERS CORDIALLY RECEIVED.

(United Press Assn— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 9.40 p.m.) Darwin, June 19. The Astrea was refuelled this morning at Bathurst Island and took off at 4 p.m., arriving at Darwin at 5,5 p.m., local time. The Astrea made a splendid landing and received a very cordial welcome from a large crowd. Father Guell, of Bathurst Island, immensely enjoyed his first flight. . Major Brackley, of Imperial Airways, who was most courteous to everybody, paid a tribute to Father Guell’s goodness, saying he had been a very good friend and was glad to have had him on the trip.‘ Major Brackley also acknowledged his first meal of kangaroo meat at Bathurst Island which, he said, had been most enjoyable. The Astrea will be thrown open for inspection and refuelling to-night. The flight to Sydney will be resumed at daybreak.