At Mitchel Field

Spectators who had gathered (TIME, Oct. 19) to see the final events of the Aero Games at Mitchel Field, L. I., heard what is generally described as a "ripping crash." But it was only part of the press stand that had collapsed; no one was hurt. Uninterested, the spectators turned back to watch Lieut. Cyrus K. Bettis of the Army race Lieut. Alford J. Williams of the Navy in the 200-kilometre speed test for the Pulitzer Cup.

The race, as it was one of elapsed time, did not impress as dramatic those spectators who had come without their stopwatches. The two bright, high-whining little planes faded away and reappeared four times, covering a triangular course and keeping approximately the same visible interval between them. The judges announced that Lieut. Bettis, with an average speed of 248.99 miles an hour, had beaten the dashing Lieut. Williams, breaking the world record for 200 kilometres (124 miles) over a closed course.*

In the race for Air Transports-- won by Lieut K. B. Wolfe in a Nuff-Daland--Capt. Earle E. W. Duncan "swiped" against a telegraph pole and lost one of his landing wheels. While the other planes were being cleared off the field he circled over the grandstand, and once more the crowd was swept with unacknowledged thrills at being about to witness an accident. Cant. Duncan was in one of the most desperate situations that can confront an aviator. He knew that a crash was inevitable unless he landed with absolutely flawless skill. He saw an ambulance scuttle out down below and wait by the side of the field. But it was not used.

*Speeds attained in former Pulitzer races:

1920 156.5

1921 176.7

1922 205.8

1923 243.68

1924 ....................... 215.72