MISSING PLANE

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19634, 22 July 1935, Page 6

MISSING PLANE

LOST IN HAWKE’S BAY.

A WELL-KNOWN PILOT.

HEAVY FOG ENCOUNTERED

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

HASTINGS, Sunday

Fears are entertained for the safety of Mr Hamlsh Armstrong, a wellknown breeder, of Akitio, about 30 miles from Dannevirke, who left his home at 10 a.m. to-day in his Moth aeroplane for Hastings, but lias not been seen since.

Mr Armstrong was due to return home shortly before dark, but it was then learned that he had not arrived at Hastings. There was a heavy fog during most of the day along the route which he would travel. He should have arrived at Hastings within two hours after leaving his residence. Residents of Ongaonga, 15 miles Inland from Walpukurau, heard an aeroplane pass overhead, flying in the direction of Hastings, about 11 o’clock, but it was not seen, and its description was not given. A few minutes later a machine was heard over Gardiner and Yeoman’s timber mill, in the Whakarara ranges, about 10 miles in a direct line from Ongaonga toward Hastings.

Search to be Made.

Mrs Armstrong stated to-night that she had expected her husband home about dusk and she was not concerned for his safety until then. She said Mr Armstrong was Hie only occupant of the aeroplane. An extensive search by aeroplano will be carried out to-morrow. Machines from the Wairarapa, Masterton and Wellington Aero Clubs will take part and flights will be made over a wide area. After having been foggy all to-day, the atmosphere is clearing and it is expected that if Air Armstrong lias been forced down the search tomorrow will have every possibility of locating his machine.

SEARCH PLANE LEAVES.

OPERATIONS AT TAKAPAU.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

PALMERSTON NORTH, Monday.

Mr Diuthie, pilot-instructor to the Manawatu Aero Club, left shortly after seven o’clock this morning to join in the search for Mr Armstrong, which ■is concentrating in the vicinity of Takapau.

A FRUITLESS SEAROH.

PLANE RETURNS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DANNEVIRKE, Monday

A plane piloted by Mr A. N. O. Claridge, flew from Dannevirke this morning practically to Keruru, keeping closo to the hills, but returned without seeing anything of Mr Armstrong’s missing plane. Conditions were then becoming worse.