Collision and Crash
During a celebration of the London-Christchurch Rallye anniversary, two RNZAF De Havilland Devon aircraft, registered NZ1810 and NZ1811, were engaged in a demonstration at Wigram Airbase. While approaching the airfield from the south at an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet, the right wing of NZ1810 made contact with the left wing of NZ1811. Following the collision, both aircraft became uncontrollable, dove into the ground, and crashed in a paddock located about 700 meters from the airbase. Both aircraft were totally destroyed.
Occupants and Fatalities
All seven crew members aboard the two aircraft were killed. Aboard NZ1810 were pilot Flying Officer Edwin Pattison Booth Ebbett, Aircraftman 1st Class Brian James Keogh, and Aircraftman 1st Class Eric Melrose. Aboard NZ1811 were pilot Squadron Leader Sholto Russell Duncan, Aircraftman 1st Class William Henry Sharman, Aircraftman 2nd Class Russell Woodcock, and Lieutenant Erling William Ziesler.
Probable Cause
The official investigation attributed the accident to wrong judgement on the part of both crew members while flying in formation.