WILD FLYING BY MOLLISON

Southland Times, Issue 23540, 21 June 1938, Page 7

WILD FLYING BY MOLLISON

CROWDS FRIGHTENED AT LE TOUQUET AMBULANCE AND‘DOCTORS CALLED UP

LONDON, June 6.

The eccentric aerial behaviour of J. A. Mollison, the well-known British airman, when spending the Whitsun holiday at Le Touquet, France, earned him a fine of 250 francs (about £2) for wild flying. After his extraordinary exploit Mollision changed into evening dress and went to the Casino, where he played all night. He won £4OO. The incident may have a further sequel, as the matter will be reported to the Royal Aero Club. Interviewed by The Daily Mail by telephone from London, Mollison said: “It was just a spot of exuberance. I felt good. I left the airport bar, where

I had had some drinks, and went waltzing round the sky. . “I don’t know anything about terrifying Le Touquet. 1 had my machine, a 450 h.p. Stinson, under control throughout. I have done stunt flying in Australia. What the spectators say I did is largely eyewash.” Mollison told The Daily Mail that he was sure the French were too pleasant to urge the suspension of his licence.

The News Chronicle asked Mollison whether his conduct could be reconciled with his membership of the Oxford Group. He replied that, it was a difficult problem, but he had apologized to the French authorities and to his friends.

The Paris correspondent of The Daily Mail quotes eye-witnesses as saying that Mollison terrified the crowds on Le Touquet beach with a loop dive within a hair’s breadth of death. He turned sharply at a height of 600 ft, lost speed and avoided a crash by a miracle.

Officials warned all aeroplanes by radio to keep clear of the air port and rushed out an ambulance and telephoned for doctors and nurses. M. Senechai, director of the aerodrome, said: “Mollison, after drinking with Richard Fairey and the Maharajah of Kapurthala, dashed to an aeroplane and taxied about at terrific speed, pulling up at intervals. “Then he headed for the cafe terrace, where the people ducked under the tables. I rushed off in a crash car to stop him. He made straight for me and I jumped out and lay flat on the ground. “Mollison then gave a fantastic display in the air.”