ATLANTIC FLIGHT DELAYED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19511, 9 June 1933, Page 7

ATLANTIC FLIGHT DELAYED

CAPSIZE OF MOLLISON MACHINE

FAMOUS FLYERS SADLY DISAPPOINTED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received June 8, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, June 8. Mr and Mrs James Mollison attempted to start at 5.39 a.m. on their Atlantic flight. The ’plane travelled one hundred yards and then toppled over. Mr and Mrs Mollison were unhurt. Fire engines, the ambulance and the crowd dashed across the aerodrome ground, but the ambulance reported that Mr and Mrs Mollison were unhurt. It appears the aeroplane "The Seafarer” had not risen from the ground when a v-strutt of the undercarriage collapsed, striking a bump. Both underwings were broken, the propeller bent and the engines torn away. Amy and her husband were terribly despondent when they left the ’plane. Amy said: “It is terrible. lam very disappointed. Mr Mollison just pointed to the machine. Words seemed to fail him.” The mechanics immediately became busy with repairs. The mishap was apparently due to the tremendous load, approximately three tons the ’plane was carrying. Mr and Mrs Mollison returned to their hotel. EVEN CHANCE OF SUCCESS. MISHAP CAUSES DISAPPOINTMENT. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received June 8, 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 8. Mr Mollison said he had received favourable Atlantic reports. The night before he said to Amy: “We’ll be off at dawn. I’m glad the suspense has ended.” Both realised the flight was a gamble, with the chances of success about even. The indomitable couple regard the upset as a mere incident, and they are determined to start again as soon as possible.