FLIGHT TO DOMINION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 106, 6 May 1929, Page 7

FLIGHT TO DOMINION

MR. FRANK MASE’S STORY HOW THE CRASH OCCURRED. [ United Service. ] Received May 5, H P- m - LONDON, “ay 4. Apart from discolouration --f one jjy* Mr Frank Mase, the New Zealander who set out to fly home, is none the worse for his mishap. He has arrived in London. Explaining the crash, he said the machine was going beautifully, and was dead on the course. The petrol in one tank became exhausted over Roane, and he changed over to the second tank, but evidently *he pipe became blocked and the would not flow. He landed successfully on a small farm, where he was hospitably entertained by the farmer’s wife, and most refreshed by hot coffee after 330 minutes’ fly ing in the coldest o- air He filled and tested both tanks and took off. He reached 40 to 50 feet when the petrol suddenly stopped. The machine hit a low tree and somersaulted. Mr Mas'e was grateful to the French Air Force, when sent a truck, sergeant and four men 80 miles to assist him dismantle and pack the machine. They were most interested in the flight to New Zealand, and hoped it would be possible for him to continue. Mr Muse is st anxious to resume the flight, and is confident that with reasonable luck he could complete it successfully. The machine could be rebuilt at a maximum cost of £5OO. Unfortunately his own capital has bej3n exhausted. He says he will be unable to continue unless some Australian or New Zealand sportsman interested in aviation will help. Air Mase called on ">ir James Parr, who expressed the hope hat it would be possible for him to complete the first England to New .-.calami flight.