Aviation history - June 15

[cowpatz]

1919 - Captain J. Alcock (1892-1919) and Lieutenant A. Whitten Brown (1886-1948) make the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic, flying from Newfoundland to Clifden in County Galway, Ireland.

Using a modified Vickers Vimy, they complete the 1890 miles crossing in 16 hours 27 minutes, at an average speed of 115 mph and at altitudes from sea level to 12,000 ft.

The flight hit trouble a number of times due to engine trouble, fog, snow and ice. However the flight was saved by Brown climbing on to the wings on several occasions, to dislodge ice from the engine air intakes, and by Alcock's excellent piloting. They even had to contend with snow filling the open cockpit.

Unfortunately the aircraft was badly damaged when they attempted to land in what appeared to be a suitable field but which turned out to be the bog on Derrygimlagh Moor.

keen chaps.

Vickers Vimy

[Charl]

Actually, the mind boggles, but you have to imagine the small matter of the 10,000 pound Daily Mail prize may not have deterred them.
(Half a million or so in today's money) Sadly Alcock was killed in an air crash just 3 months later.
The Vimy was a vile-handling creature too.
Always reminds me of something made of Meccano bits.

[Ian Warren]

@ Cowpatz , the aircraft in the , G-EAOU the registration was use by another intrepid pair from Australia , Ross and Keith Smith flying in stages from England to Australia

@ Charl , pleased they did not brake it - now that is more the Alcock and Brown Vimy colour , i wonder if that is maybe a second replica .