Francis Chichester (17 September 1901 – 26 August 1972), got a de Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft, Mme Elia, which he intended to fly to New Zealand. He had hoped to break Bert Hinkler’s record solo flight back to Australia en route.
In 1929 Francis Chichester made the second solo flight to Australia. In 1931, the first solo flight across the Tasman Sea from East to West in his Gypsy Moth aeroplane fitted with floats.
Mechanical problems meant that the record eluded him, however he completed the trip in 41 days.
The aircraft was then shipped to New Zealand.
Finding that he was unable to carry enough fuel to cross the Tasman Sea directly, he had his Gipsy Moth fitted with floats, borrowed from the New Zealand Permanent Air Force. He went on to make the first solo flight across the Tasman Sea from East to West (New Zealand - Australia.)
He was the first aviator to land an aircraft at Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. Again his flight was delayed as his aircraft was severely damaged at Lord Howe. He had to rebuild it himself with the help of islanders. He navigated with the help of the sun. He was awarded the inaugural Amy Johnson Memorial Trophy for this trip.
Chichester then decided to circumnavigate the world solo. He made it to Japan but, on take-off from Katsuura Harbour Wakayama, he collided with an overhead cable, sustaining serious injuries.
Source: Wikipedia
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