AERONAUTICS: Levine in Italy

In Italy, Charles A. Levine, transatlantic air passenger, sought interviews with the Pope and Benito Mussolini.

In the throne room of the Vatican, Mr. Levine, well rehearsed, kissed the Pope's ring. He listened mutely while His Holiness carried on a polite monolog, later confided: "I was so flabbergasted, I couldn't say a thing." It was the first time a U. S. citizen had ever been received in the throne room. At the close of the interview, the Pope blessed Mr. Levine, his family, his future flights.

From the Vatican, Mr. Levine betook himself the next day to a 15-minute audience with Benito

Mussolini. Said the visitor: "We talked chiefly about aviation in which Mussolini demonstrated a really superior intelligence. His courtesy was gracious beyond words."

The interview conclued, Mr. Levine with the Papal blessing of the day before still fresh on his head, exclaimed: "This is the most beautiful day of my life!" Forthwith he stepped into his monoplane, the Columbia, in which sat Captain W. R. Hinchcliffe, pilot, ready to guide the plane on its flight to Venice. A passenger, the Duke of Orleans, rode with them.

Soon the Columbia developed engine trouble, was forced to glide down into a field gashed by a deep ditch. The ditch fouled the landing gear, tripped the plane which then buried its nose in the ground, its engine wrecked, its wings twisted. Miraculously, no one was injured.