Royal Victorian Aero Club

De Havilland DH.60 Moth

The single engine aircraft, owned by Australian National Airways, was piloted by Gertrude McKenzie who was taking boys from the St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage for joy flights. While preparing for take off, the aircraft collided with another De Havilland DH.60G Gipsy Moth. Registered VH-UHS, it was owned by the Royal Victorian Aero Club and piloted by Florence Wurts who was also taking boys from the St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage for joy flights. Both aircraft suffered an extensive fire and were destroyed. While both occupants of VH-UNP were slightly injured, the pilot of VH-UHS, Miss Florence Wurts was killed and the young passenger was injured. The exact circumstances of the collision remains unknown.

De Havilland DH.60 Moth

While overflying the city of Ballarat, northwest of Melbourne, the engine failed. The pilot attempted to make an emergency landing when the aircraft hit a fence and crashed. Both occupants were unhurt while the aircraft was destroyed.

De Havilland DH.60 Moth

On final approach to Essendon Airport, the single engine aircraft clipped a tree and crashed 3 miles east of the airport. Both occupants were injured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.