No fatalities

Solo training flight crashes into frozen pond after engine failure (G-EBQY)

East Grinstead, United KingdomFlight

On January 26, 1929, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-EBQY) operated by De Havilland Aircraft UK was involved in an aviation accident near East Grinstead, United Kingdom in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A solo pilot attempted an emergency landing in a frozen pond after experiencing an engine failure during a local training flight, resulting in minor injuries and total loss of the aircraft.

What happened

The incident involved a solo training flight that originated from Stag Lane. While en route to the destination, the aircraft experienced a complete engine failure. In response to the power loss, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure. The aircraft subsequently impacted a frozen pond, leading to the destruction of the airframe. The pilot was ejected or exited the wreckage and sustained only minor injuries.

Findings

The official investigation identified the mechanical malfunction as the primary factor in the accident. The specific cause was determined to be engine failure while the aircraft was in flight.

Probable cause

Engine failure during flight