2-714-676 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Investigation into the "Trait d'Union II", 1931. 'L'Enquête Sur Le Trait-D'Union II'. In September 1931, French aviators Joseph Le Brix, Marcel Doret and René Mesmin attempted to fly from Le Bourget, near Paris, to Tokyo. Unfortunatly their Dewoitine D.33, named "Trait d'Union II", developed engine trouble over Ufa in the Soviet Union. Doret parachuted to safety but Mesmin seemingly had trouble with his parachute, so Le Brix stayed on board rather than leave Mesmin alone. The plane crashed and caught fire, killing them both. Front cover of "Le Petit Journal Illustré". [France, 27 September 1931]