The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-09-13
Aviator Not Hurt and Will Resume Trans-COnti-
 mental Flight
DEFECTIVE ENGINE
 CAUSES ACCIDENT
Was Nearing Place Where he Intend- ed to Cross Sierras When Air ship Strikes Tree and Is
 Badly Wrecked

Alta, Cal. September 12.-Aviator Bob Fowler, en route from San Francisco to New York, met with the first mishap or his cross country aerial voyage here this morning. when in trying to make land ing necessitated by a refractory engine and steering gear, his biplane collided with two trees, hurling it to the ground and slightly injuring the birdman, Both planes and the two propelers were broken and Fowler will be delayed here for at least two dayss
 Before leaving Auburn this morning Fowler had his first trouble with his engine It was repaired but it is believed it was the same defect which caused the later trouble.
 Leaving Auburn at 9:37 o'clock Fowler rose to a height of about 400 feet and followed the route of the Southern Pa cific tracks through the rolling approaches to the foothil district. For almost 40 minutes he sailed along without mishap. easily distancing the special train and automobiles that started from Auburn at the same time. As he came into view in this section, however, it was apparent that something was wrong. About half a mile from here his course deviated sharply. He did not slacken speed and his machine dashed full into the trees. At a height of about 50 feet from the ground the right plane struck one tree and the force of the blow sent the craft ,careening against the other tree. This second blow crushed the left plane and both wings thus crumpled. the aeroplane
 
 as it started on, it's fall to earth.
 Fowler Stays in Seat
 Fowler remained in his seat until the machine struck the ground, when he was hurled against the motor and through the debris of the rudder to the ground
 Many persons who witnessed the fall from a distance rushed to his aid, and his injuries were quickly given atten- ton. His meehanicians were soon on the scene. having arrived on the spe- cial train that is following his course. Some of the broken pieces of the aero plane were replaced with substitutes carried on the train, but others had 10 be sent to Reno for repairs
 In discussing his mishap, Fowler said his steering gear had suddenly become blocked when he was few miles from the scene of the accident and he was helpless to direct his course. At the same time his e1evating plane refused to work and his efforts to control the beplane resulted in the disconnecting of the defective magneto wire, which had given trouble earlier in the morn ing.
 He declared tonight that he would continue his journey within three days
 Fowlers injuries comprise bruises only and were not of a, serious na- ture.
 Explaining the accident Aviator Fowler said: The verticle rudder quit working for some reason and all could do was to go aground in circle. My machine swung to the left in sthe spires then dropped and hit couple of trees, damaging the frame badly. The engine. though, is all right.
 My back is wrenched, but not a bit of skin If off anywhere. It will take three or four days to rebuild"
 Sacramento, Cal, September 12-"The Fowler special" on which Mrs. Thomas Fowler. mother of Robert G. Fowler, trans-continental aviator, will travel across the continent in advance of her daring son. is on the way to Reno.
 Tim McGrath. famous for the champion pugilists he has trained, Is the doctor of the party. He will make all arrange ments for young Fowlers physical conn