The crippled plane managed to land safely and was later repaired.
But the plane was repaired, and he was ready to fly again.
Williams stayed on K-13 for several days while his plane was being repaired.
The statement said the damaged plane would be repaired and returned to service shortly.
The staff was gradually built up to a strength of 460 and, by the end of September 1943 60 planes had been repaired.
During a contest in autumn 1930 the plane was damaged and later repaired.
But the administration position is that plane should be repaired and flown home.
As the plane was being repaired, Charles Lindbergh won the prize.
The plane was since repaired, then flew until 2001.
His plane was later repaired and returned to duty.