De Havilland DH.60 Moth

Historical safety data and incident record for the De Havilland DH.60 Moth aircraft.

Safety Rating

9.9/10

Total Incidents

436

Total Fatalities

247

Incident History

Private British

Canons Ashby Northamptonshire

The pilot was carrying out a local flight with a friend. The weather was good (CAVOK), with a westerly wind of about 12 to 15 kt. The passenger occupied the front cockpit and the pilot the rear. The engine started normally and the aircraft departed, climbing to an altitude of 1,200 ft. The pilot carried out two medium banked turns and a gentle wingover manoeuvre before entering another steep turn to the left. When established in the turn, the engine stopped and the aircraft entered a spin to the left. The pilot recovered from the spin but, due to the limited height available, could only pull out of the dive and carry out a forced landing in an isolated grass area, amongst trees and other obstacles. In doing so, the aircraft struck a ridge and furrow, which destroyed the landing gear and much of the forward fuselage. A member of the public witnessed the accident and called the emergency services, who recovered both occupants from the wreckage. The pilot and his passenger had suffered serious injuries and were transferred to hospital. There was no fire.The aircraft had recently been re-weighed. During that process, the fuel tank had been drained and the same fuel was then used to refill the tank. After that, the aircraft had flown some five hours, during which it had been refuelled twice at a licensed aerodrome. The second refuel had taken place prior to positioning the aircraft back to the private site from which the accident flight departed. It was reported that the engine had been consistently reliable. No reason for the engine failure was identified. The pilot considered that he had avoided a serious head injury because he was wearing a protective helmet. Also, he commented that he had since had discussions with others in the historic aircraft community regarding energy absorbing foam in seat pans and its potential for reducing the level of back injuries in the event of an accident.

Private British

Popham Hampshire

The aircraft was on a flight from Liss to Popham and was being accompanied by a PA 18 which was in contact with Farnborough Radar. Overhead East Stratton, the Gypsy Moth experienced a loss of power and the pilot elected to carry out a precautionary landing. The landing was satisfactory. The pilot had shut down the engine and climbed out of the cockpit before he became aware of burning straw under the tail. Attempts to remove the straw and extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, and the aircraft was rapidly engulfed in flames. The fuel tank exploded, resulting in a substantial fire and some damage to trees and bushes surrounding the field.

Private Australian

Home Hill Queensland

The single engine airplane crash in unknown circumstances near the Burdekin River in Home Hill. The sole occupant was unhurt while the aircraft owned by Paddy F. Nielsen was damaged beyond repair.

Private Australian

Melbourne-Moorabbin Victoria

Built in 1928, the aircraft was restored for three years and has just been delivered to its new owner, J. O. Richardson, three days prior to the accident. The pilot, sole on board, was completing a local flight at Moorabbin Airport. On final approach, the engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed short of runway. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Private Canadian

Bow Lake Ontario

Crashed on takeoff from Bow Lake. Occupant fate remains unknown.

June 11, 1952 3 Fatalities

Club d'Aviation de Neuchâtel

Lausanne-Blécherette Vaud

The pilot and two passengers were completing a local flight over the region of Lausanne. On final approach, the single engine airplane hit a crane and crashed onto a house, bursting into flames. A passenger was seriously while two other occupants were killed, among them the pilot Enrique Pernot. The unique survivor died from his injuries a day later.

Private Canadian

Wolfe Island Ontario

On landing off Wolfe Island, the single engine aircraft hit a stake in water and came to rest. While both occupants were unhurt, the aircraft owned by Donald Barnes was damaged beyond repair.

Hall's Air Service

Val d'Or Quebec

Stalled shortly after takeoff from Val d'Or Airport. The pilot, sole on board, was injured and the aircraft was written off.

Aros-Flyg

Tumlehed Västergötland

The crew was performing a training flight from Västerås to Göteborg. On approach to Torslanda Airport from the northwest, the single engine aircraft went out of control, crashed into the sea off Tumlehed and came to rest upside down. Both occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Ontario Provincial Air Service

Kwagama Lake Ontario

Shortly after takeoff from Kwagama Lake, while in initial climb, the single engine aircraft encountered downdraft, stalled and crashed into the lake. Both occupants were rescued while the aircraft sank and was lost.

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