FLYING OFFICER LANDS ON ROOF, AND ENTERS HOUSE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18544, 18 August 1928, Page 1

FLYING OFFICER LANDS ON ROOF, AND ENTERS HOUSE

ESCAPES INJURY IN MID-AIR MISHAP. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received August 18, 12.50 p.m.) RUGBY, August 17. The air exercises over London, which have been proceeding each night during the current week, concluded before midnight. They have been conducted to test the efficiency of the squadrons engaged in certain features of defence work, but the total defence system has not been brought into play. The manoeuvres presented an inter esting spectacle, some 250 bombers and fighter machines being engaged over London, where beams of light from scores of searchlights have illuminated the night skies. The high efficiency displayed by all engaged in the manoeuvres is warmly praised. Exercises were conducted without a single mishap involving loss of life or serious injury. Flying-Officer Bennett, who was involved in last night’s mishap in a single-seater, which caught fire in the air, dropped from the machine and landed gently on the roof of a house in Kew. By means of a drainpipe he was able to enter an upper window in the house and was none the worse for his hazardous experience. Having apologised to the householder for his intrusion, he was greeted with cheers by an immense crowd in the street, who had witnessed the crash. Fire in the air in British aircraft is extremely rare and the occurrence and circumstances attending it will be closely examined by experts.—British Official Wireless.