A “MYSTERIOUS" PLANE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 100, 27 August 1930, Page 5

A “MYSTERIOUS" PLANE

Property of Akitio Owner 1 JOURNEY TO TOKOMARU BAY. i DID NOT ENCOUNTER MISHAP. ♦ (Per Pres® Association) ’ DANNEVIRKE, This Day. W T ith reference to the unidentified aeroplane, reported as passing over Tolaga Bay yesterday, apparently in distress it appears that the plane left Akitio on Sunday, piloted by Mr Hamish Armstrong, who was accompanied by Mr A. Pavioun as a passenger, for Tokomaru Bay. This ’plane, however, did not meet with a mishap yesterday as Mr Armstrong reported to Dannevirke at six o’clock last night that he was returning to Dannevirke to-day.

“AN OPTICAL ILLUSION.” OPINION OF GISBORNE PEOPLE. (Per Press Association) * GISBORNE, This Day. Investigation of the report from Tolaga Bay concerning the alleged aeroplane in difficulties failed to substantiate the report. Police and settlers scoured the country for some miles without result and inquiries by aviation interests reveal that no ’plane was posted as missing. It is presumed that the informant was the victim of an “optical illusion enhanced by the exhaust explosion of a motor lorry.

REPORT FROM TOLAGA BAY. APPEARED TO BE IN TROUBLE. (Per Press Association) GISBORNE, Last Night. An unidentified ’plane was reported seen by one resident passing over Tolaga Bay at 1.30 p.m. to-day. The observer reported that the machine appeared to be in distress and “to wobble a great deal.” The engine was also racing, and then appearing to stop. Heavy rain and thick fog prevailed at the time. A thorough search over five miles of countryside from the point where the plane was reported revealed nothing. The machine was not reported from any other township on the presumed route, which lay southwards.