Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1910-06-16
Machine Will Take Inventor
High in the Air Soon.
AN ENGINE TRIAL
LAST EVENING
While Gliding Down About the
Surface of the Meadows One
the Propeller Blades
Was Broken.

Henry A. Hettinger is sure that the
b1plane that he has been working upon
for many months will soon soar in the
air, and take its place among the most
successful aerial machines of modern
times.
The pioneer" was the first of the
newspapers to tell of the machine, and
but recently this paper gave some
description of the biplane and the en-
gine.
Last night Mr.. Hettinger made his
first practical trial of the machine.
and while he met with a slight acci-
dent, the engine builder and inventor
satisfied himself that his machine
would soar in the air wherever he
directed the biplane.
The machine has been in course of
construction near the Hettinger en-
gine plant on Grove street, and has
been hidden from public view under
a huge tent. Recently frequent tests
of the engine have been made, and
Mr.. Fettinger concluded yesterday
that the biplane was ready for thor
ough test.
Over on the west side of the Co.
hansey river, upon large meadow
property south of the Institute proper
ty, he prepared for his tests, and yes
terday the machine was transported
from Grove street to the meadows.
The tent was raised over the biplane,
and it was understood that a test
would be made to-day.
Early last evening, however, Mr..
Hettinger decided upon some prelimi-
nary tests. The hiplane is mounted
upon light wheels, and the machine
was run out from the tent, and the 40
horse power, six cylinder engine was
started. The propeller worked jer-
fectly and the machine sped over the
meadow surface upon the wheels at
great speed. The steering apparatus
was entirely responsive, and Mr.. Het-
finger was enabled to direct the
movements of the machine at pleasure.
Backward, forward, in this direction
and that, he moved the biplane. Slow
ly and with great speed he dashed
over the meadows, but no attempt to
lift the machine in the air. The tests,
as far as made, were almost wholly
for the purpose of testing the engine
and the steering gear.
While the fact that the machine was
to be tried out was not made public,
quite a number OF people were at
tracted to the meadows and watched
the operations of the machine with
great interest.
Just at the time that Mr.. Hettinger
had satisfied himself that the machine
was entirely satisfactory, and was
certain that he could take the air"
whenever he so desired, the blades of
the propeller caught up piece of
drift wood upon the meadow, and one
of the f1ukes was broken, the shaft
twisted and the engine was lifted from
it's base.
This slight accident necessarily
ended the tests, and for two or three
days the biplane will be out of COM
mission, while repairs are made.
Those who were privileged to watch
the tests last night agree with Mr..
Hettinger that the machine will take
the air. Every indication is that the
biplane will soar readily and grace
fully. The machine is apparently
much lighter than many of the planes
now in use throughout the world.
The construction is the lightest of
wood and aluminium. The engine es-
pecially designed and manufactured
by Mr.. Hettinger is a model, and is
believed to be of a character that will
be in demand for aerial machines.
1t is not likely that any further
tests will be made upon the meadows.
A more convenient and better fitted
place will be selected.