| Summary: | Mattern Abandons Hunt For Flyers. MATTERN ABANDONS HUNT FOR FLYERS FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Aug. 25 — (AP)-Jimmie Mattern, noted American pilot, withdrew tonight from the search for Sigismund Levaneffsky and his five companions lost in an attempted transpolar hop from Moscow to Oakland. "We have done everything possible," Mattern explained. The decision to withdraw was announced after Mattern conferred with A. Vartanian, Soviet representative directing the search of a dozen planes for the six airmen who dropped from sight on Friday, August 13. Alternative Suggested. As an alternative to aerial searching, Mattern suggested that the ice-breaker Krassin establish a base on the Arctic ice pack on the 148th meridian, down which the Russians were flying, and to operate from there with a plane equipped with skis. On such ship is aboard the Krassin, which is at Barrow. Mattern thus far has been flying over ski and flying boat territory with a plane equipped with wheels, at great danger to himself and his ship. Vatanian thanked Mattern fro his cooperation and said he would transmit the flyer's suggestions to the Russian embassy. Sir Hubert Wilkins and his four companions in a huge flying boat, which took off from Coppermine, N. W. T., last night, were believed far out over the ice pack. "Sweeping" Arctic On the European side of the Arctic, a plan to "swept" the Arctic area with three planes flying abreast fifteen miles apart, was under way. The planes arrived at Archangel, U. S. S. R. from Moscow on the first leg of the flight. In mid-day here, momentary excitement was aroused on reports from Circle that mysterious flares or lights had been seen in that area the past few nights. Circle is 100 miles northeast of here. Pilot Joe Crosson took off for a flight over the area. Several tourists visiting here accompanied him.
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