The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-05-22
MOTOR DEFECT
HOLDS UP NC-4:
STARTS TO-DAY
Lieut.. Commander Read
Ready for 800 Mile Dash
to Lisbon.
NEXT JUMP TO PLYMOUTH
Towers Proceeding There on
Board Destroyer-Sends
Disabled NC-3 Home.

WASHINGTON. May 21.-A defect IN
one Of the motors Of the seaplane
NC-4 discovered early this morning as
the plane was about to take of on the
800 mile trip from the Azores to Lis
bon caused the postponement of the
final flight in the trip by air from con-
tinent to continent. The flying boat
will leave to-day for the dash to Lis
bon II present ideal conditions con-
tinue.
The mechanics OF the U. s. g. Mel
vile, brought all the way from Rock
away Beach because of their knowl-
edge Of the engines and controls of
the great NC planes, hurried aboard
the seaplane after tests on the sur
face of the water had shown one
motor out OF tune with its fellows.
They speedily found the defect, but by
the time all four motors were roaring
in unison 1t was too late to start the
500 mile air trip with any hope Of
completing it before sundown.
Caution Vow the watchword.
The watchword of the navy In the
transatlantic flight from now on Is
caution, for should the NC-4, by TAX
ing chance on night landing or by
hying in unfavorable weather. cripple
herself at this stage of the fight, the
work OF hundreds OF men-from
mechanics to NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. tho
past four months, and hundreds OF
thousands Of dollars. will have been
expended without the accomplishment
Of the Transatlantic flight. Yet even
should this be the case. the navy will
have been less unfortunate than the
only other transatlantic starter, for
no lives have been lost in the naval
attempt.
The results so far in the expedition
have not discouraged the Navy Depart
ment, despite the fact that of the three
NC starters one Is sunk and another
completely wrecked. The two disasters
were due TO a single. unusual misfor-
fog followed by terrific storm-and
were in no way due either to faults
OF the personnel or defects OF the sea-
planes
Other Flights Contemplated.
secretary Daniels told newspaper
men to-day that the present transatlan-
oh iv
nights in a programme OF experimental
ny 'ng by naval airmen. Already, as a
result Of the experience OF the fiiers so
lar, Rear Admiral Taylor. chief naval
constructor, is planning still larger and
more seaworthy ships with greater wing
spread and a form of construction which
VIII cushion the landing shock. The
NC-3, 1t will be recalled, received Sc
we're injuries when she landed heavily,
her pilots unable to see the water
through the fog in time to set her down
lightly.
These designs have not taken definite
form as yet nor will they before Admiral
Taylor and officers OF his staff. skilled in
'"suon engineering and construction,
nave studied carefully the results in the
present attempt Commander H c. |
Flchardson, one OF the pilots of the NC-3.
IS naval constructor and had much
20 with the design OF the hull OF
.ns s NC type. Another man who prob
soy Will be called into the conference
commander G. c. Westervelt, who |
s.so had large part in the building Of
the nc ships
Greater Fuel Capacity.
me necessity for greater fuel carry |
ug ability with consequent wider wing !
.p'e'd and less Earring landing shock, |
we "f the primary results to be |
T'n'a at In the coming aerial cruisers |
' ase IN war of course will have |
..-'n to do with their design. Although |
war mission OF the NC ships almost |
"aS oeen eclipsed in their fame as trans |
','Su'c hiers, nevertheless the big sea !
nsHsS were one Of the most deadly war |
n,ach'ies developed. capable Of carrying |
., .I1 only battery of machine guns. but |
heavy Davis gun whose shot |
could pierce the skin OF a submarine, |
A"1 great load OF bombs
'ndIcations are that despite his posi-
ou as commander Of a division OF sea-
ing ships Commander Towers will not |
me NC-4 to Lisbon. This Is taken |
~ indicating that Commander |
strs desires to make sure that all |
s4' t"T having brought his craft from |
,hun"Ht TO continent. despite the /
''herops fog Of Saturday morning. |
r, 10 Lieut. Commander A. c. Read. |
,"'ahder and navigating officer OF the |
%.', on his arrival in Lisbon.
was Commander Towers's privilege |
u ,. indeed officially, his duty, to fly to |
,.,Sp"h IN the remaining ship of his unit, |
ir' IN receive, as senior officer and |
''"p'' o' the expedition, the applause OF |
Continued on Fourth Pd0a