 However, dust storms and stress failure of the engine cowling turned them back to Sydney, and they were forced to withdraw from the race.The race was subsequently won, and a new speed record set, by a British de Havilland DH.88 racing aircraft.Now in financial trouble, and with the "Lady Southern Cross" facing withdrawal of its airworthiness certificate if it did not leave Australia, Kingsford Smith decided to attempt the first eastward crossing of the Pacific Ocean by aircraft, from Australia to the United States.