AMAZING AVIATION FEAT

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1929, Page 13

AMAZING AVIATION FEAT

WHEEL CHANGE IN MID-AII ROPE DRAGS PLANE CLOSE ENTANGLED IN PROPELLOB PILOT’S ASTOUNDING DEED By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Tress Association. United Service. Vancouver, July 9 Four fliers had a hair-breadth escape at an altitude of 1000 feet at Atlanta to-day. Two pilots went.aloft in each of two planes for the purpose of demonstrating that the landing gear could be changed •in the air. >/ Honnie Rowe climbed out of the cockpit of number-one plane and,, hanging by his feet from the wing, pulled off the wheel and tossed it back into the cockpit. He then signalled to number 2 plane to lower him another wheel. Things went splendidly till a gust ol wind caught the rope, carrying it into the propeller of number one plane, smashing the blades and dragging the planes together. The pilot of number 1 cut the rope with his pocket knife and the planes veered apart. Tho propellerless plane carefully glided over a cotton field, but, while they descended, Rowe climbed into the cockpit, retrieved the wheel and in the last 100 feet above the ground fastened, it in position, His companion glided 7 to. a perfect landing. ■ Their friends in number two plan® were still aloft anxiously watching them.