Lost Secrets

Two months ago, a new Northrop low-wing monoplane, built for the U. S. Army at a cost of $100,000, took off from a Los Angeles airport. Because it was expected to fly high above enemy guns at a superspeed of 325 m.p.h., revolutionizing offense tactics and giving the U. S. the finest pursuit plane in the world, the new fighter was shrouded in military secrecy, instructed not to fly out of sight of the airport. Nonetheless, Army Reserve Pilot Arthur H. Skaer roared away up the coast toward the Palos Verdes hills. Presently, when he did not return, officials became worried, started a search which has continued fruitlessly ever since.

Last week another new pursuit plane took off from Los Angeles on a test flight. This one was a heavily armored Vultee low-wing monoplane, built to carry 1,200 lb. of bombs as well as four machine guns. With a reported speed of 250 m.p.h., it, too, was being groomed with much secrecy for the U. S. Army. It was only 300 ft. off the ground on its second flight when the motor abruptly cut out. Faced with high-tension wires over the smooth field ahead, Pilot Thomas Van Stone tried to turn back to the airport. The heavy plane stalled, crashed to earth, killed Pilot Stone and Co-Pilot Dugald Blue instantly.

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