FURTHER PARTICULARS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12561, 14 July 1910, Page 5

FURTHER PARTICULARS

Received July 14, 12.35 a.m

LONDON, July 13

The Hon. Rolls' Wright biplane was tha same as he used in the cross-Chan-nel flight, but instead of a fixed tailplane ho yesterday utilised Wright's new adjustable stabiliser. Mr Rolls considered a fixed tailplane greatly assisted stability, but slightly counteracted the effect of the movements of the elevator. The new plane gave increased facilities for ascent .and descent. After circling gradually to 'an increasing altitude.. Mx Rolls, at great speed, swept over the enclosure with af following v;ind, and then swung the machine's head round behind the grand, stand ' ill tho teeth of the wind, descending it at a steep gradient towards the prescribed alighting point. When passing over the laAvn at a height of 70 feet, he stopped the motor ana began to descend at a angle of 40 degrees in order to use the opposing^wind and avoid a long run to the ground. Hence, with a view to checking tho descent and alighting on tha wheels, ho brought tho elevating plane up sharply. The sudden air pressure) on iho tail plans caused by Mr Rolls' violent pull of the lever, precipitated the collapse. The gear connecting the rudder snapped at a height of fifty feet. The silence of horror seized the crowd on seeing the machine turn sharply head downwards. It crashed to the'ground from a height of 35 feet, the motor instantly exploding with a loud report.