San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-03-03

Pursuit Group. Time after time the
speedy little Tommy" raced back and
forth in front of the test hangar, bare
ly clearing the top of the Porto Rico
ships. Once past the test hangar its
pilot would turn its nose up, reverse.
and then race back just above the
heads of the large crowd in front Of
the hangar. The Tommy" was flying
at the rate Of 100 miles an hour.
A serious crash between two Kelly
Field planes was barely averted just
before the Porto Rico fleet took off.
The two ships, DeHavilands, were TAX
ing off in order to be in the air when
the Porto Rico fleet took off, and al
most collided just as they left the
ground. Only sharp bank on the
part of one of the planes prevented the
crash. Even after turning away, that
plane was in serious situation as it
had to be nosed up at sharp angle
when just off the ground. Experienced
airmen caught their breath as the big
DeHaviland suddenly swerv~' - the
right and then shot upward J- !tw
feet.
That is as close to a crash as /
ever hope to see" one aviator said. as
the lodging plane Strengthened out in
the air.
Wife Sees Commander Leave.
Mrs. Lanphier, wife of the comman-
der of the fleet, came from Fort Sill to
see her husband start the flight. She
was at the test hangar and walked
with him TO tn, end of the plank walk
that had been laid across the soft dirt
IN front Of the hangar in order that
the planes could easily be pulled to the
flying field.
As the planes took off. each alter
nate pilot in the back seat turned and
waved farewell to the crowd behind.
The planes made wide circle about
the field, fell into their V-shaped for
nation, and then flew low in front of
the test hangar. As the ships passed
over the hangar they were in a per-
feet and close formation. They then
circled southeast toward Houston
where a landing will be made.
Filters Anxious TO Go.
Each flier was in high spirits Sat
urday morning, and all were anxious
TO be going. When not busy with
their ships they were constantly re-
ceiving congratulations and best
wishes from friends and relatives.
Everyone OF the filters expressed their
appreciation to Maj. Frank ID. Lack
land, commander Of the Air Interme-
date, and 10 Capt. Edward Laughlin.
chief engineer at the depot. for the
splendid ships the depot turned out.
The eight filters who are not stationed
in San Antonio expressed appreciation
TO friends at both fields for the cordial
entertainment that had been offered
them during their short stay there.
In addition to the Third Group At
tack that followed the fleet several
miles from the field. several officers
from Kelly Field and from the Air In
termediate Depot. took the air also.
Maj. F. ". Fitzgerald and Major
Brereton were among the filters from
Kelly Field to follow. Capt. Edward
Laughlin. chief engineer at the A. I. d.
also went up and followed the fleet a
few miles.
Col. Clarence c. Culver, air officer
for the Eighth Corps Area. was one
of the first at tine test hangar Satur-
day morning, having flown across from
Kelly Field. When the Porto Rico
fleet took off be also took the air and
flew with the ships several miles, re-
turning then to Kelly Field. ..
Captain Lanphier stated before leav-
ing that Houston should be reached by
10 O'Clock Saturday morning. A stop
of about two hours will be made there.
during which time =. new supply of
gasoline and oil will be taken on.
Leaving Houston early in the after
noon the fleet will fly on to Lake
Charles. spending the night there.
The second days flight will bring
the fleet to Montgomery, where Maj.
Gen. Mason NJ. Patrick, chief of the
Army Air Service, is expected to re-
ceive it. Leaving Arcadia, Florida.
early in the week. the filters will don
their life preserver coats and take off
across the 300-mile stretch of water
for Havana.
About one month will be taken up
by the entire flight. which vii lofficial-
ly end at Boiling Field, Washington,
u. c.