WOMEN’S AIR DERBY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18352, 24 August 1929, Page 17

WOMEN’S AIR DERBY.

MISS EARHART LEADS. (United Press Association—By Electrie Telegraph—Copyright.) NEW YORK, August 22. A message from Texas says that as the Women’s Air Derby reached that State Miss Earhart took the lead after making the women’s speed record of 250 miles in 2 hours 28 minutes. Her total elapsed time is 9 hours 48 minutes 17 seconds. Mrs Gladys O’Donnell (Longbeach, California), remains second, Miss Ruth Nichols (New York) third, and Mrs Thaden fourth. Misfortunes continues to follow the racers. One participant at a height of 2000 feet saw her 'plane smoking. She calmly used an extinguisher. When she landed she discovered that a cigarette had been thrown into the baggage in the 'plane, causing slight damage. Mrs Barnes made a down-wind landing at Pecos, Texas, and crashed into an automobile. She was uninjured, but the 'plane apparently is out of the race. PROGRESS OF RACE. THIRTEEN COMPETITORS REMAIN (United Press Association—By Electrie Telegraph—Copyright ) (Received August 23, 7.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, August 22. Thirteen participants in the Air Derby reached Fortworth (Texas) overnight. Three having dropped out, due to accidents, and one was taken ill to-day here, the elapsed time lead went to Mr Thaden. Miss Earhart was second by four minutes, Miss O'Donnell was third, and Miss Nichols was fourth.