ATLANTIC FLIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1928, Page 9

ATLANTIC FLIGHT

HINCHCLIFFE ON THE WAT A SENSATIONAL BEGINNING CLOSE SECRECY OBSERVED IS MISS MACKAY ABOARD? Eager to be the first man to fly across the Atlantic Ocean from east to west, Captain Hinchcliffe left the Cranwell aerodrome early on Tuesday morning under mysterious circumstances. Experts agree that the attempt is more daring than that of Lindbergh's, and opinions differ as to the chances of success. It is believed that the Hon. Elsie Mackay is flying with Hinchcliffe. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. A. and N.Z. London, March 13. Captain Hinchcliffe early in the morning inquired from the meteorological office the condition of Atlantic weather, and learned it was fairly good. It is known the machine carried sufficient petrol for 3000 miles. Hinchcliffe frequently stated that in the event of his making a trans-Atlantic flight he would land at Baldonnel aerodrome in Ireland, and had obtained official permission to do so.

American information confirms the theory that they are attempting to reach America. One explanation of the secrecy is that the machine was purchased on condition that Hinchcliffe did not attempt a trans-Atlantic flight but a non-stop land flight. The Air Ministry states it is very likely they will experience a tail wind with good visibility for the greater part of the journey, though in the last stages they may encounter a head wind with snow or sleet squalls. There is also mystery concerning the pilot. It is freely rumoured to-night that Miss Mackay is a passenger, though Hinchcliffe’e wife thinks the friend is Gordon Sinclair. The Daily Express definitely states that Miss Mackay is accompanying Hinchcliffe and that the mysterious Sinclair is none other than Miss Mackay. LOW-POWERED PLANE USED. EXPERTS ARE NOT SANGUINE. A. and N.Z. London, March 14. The Daily Express states that Mrs. Sinclair, who is living in North London, 1 went to stay with Mrs. Hinchcliffe at Parley so that they might be together while their husbands were making the great attempt. Both of them bad letters from their husbands yesterday morning, but there was no mention of when the start was imminent. Neither of them knew Mise Mackay was with Hinchcliffe instead of Mr. Sinclair.

Only the night porter eaw Miss Mackay and Hinchcliffe leave the hotel. Before their departure they prepared an assortment of “iron rations” with fruit, hot coffee and other beverages in vacuum flasks. Miss Mackay was in a flying costume with a thick leather coat and helmet.

A double column photograph shows them standing side by side in front of the aeroplane ‘Endeavour,’’ Miss Mackay smiling and Hinchcliffe with his hut doffed and looking serious. Lord Inchcape is at present in Egypt and consequently there is only the stall at the London residence to answer inquiries. They stated that as far as they knew Miss Mackay was busy with preparations for going to Egypt. They expected her to return home yesterday evening. It is now stated Miss Mackay stayed at an hotel at Grantham on Monday night, presumably in order to get to the Cranwell aerodrome early in the morning.

Hinchcliffe’a agent was one of thosA most surprised. He said: “I received a message at 10.30 saying Hinchcliffe had left at 8.45. I rushed to Cranwell in a motor cur and found a note awaiting me saying: “Left on Atlantic flight.” I had seen it stated the machine was a large one, but this is a mistake, it was small with only 220 horsepower.” Mrs. Hinchcliffe does not fear for her husband’s safety. Mr. Sinclair is an old friend of Hinchcliffe, and they have flown together. Aviation experts are not sanguine in view of the weather conditions for the result of the flight. They admit it if a far more daring project than was Lindbergh’s. STORMY WEATHER PREDICTED. PREPARATIONS FOR LANDING. Received March 14, 9,5 p.m. A. and N.Z. Washington, March 14. Weather conditions are favourable for Captain Hinchelifie’s flight three-quar-ters of the way across the Atlantic, with clear air and easterly winds. However, storms which will be most dangerous are indicated for the time for arrival at Grandbanks, Newfoundland. Rain and snow are expected in Harbour Grace, but the present reports are that the conditions are excellent, with sheet ice in a nearby pond affording ideal landing facilities. A raido message from a ship four days out from Bordeaux reports sighting a plane flying west. It is believed to be that of Captain Hinchcliffe.