On January 27, 1931, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration VH-UPP) operated by John W. Paulden was involved in an aviation accident near Geelong, Australia during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during final approach leading to an unrecoverable stall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A de Havilland Moth suffered an engine failure during final approach to Belmont Airport in Geelong, resulting in a stall and the deaths of both occupants.
What happened
During a descent into Belmont Airport at Geelong, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power at approximately 1,000 feet. The machine subsequently stalled at an altitude of roughly 200 feet above the ground. Both individuals on board were killed in the incident. A third pilot, who was operating a similar model nearby, observed the event from a position about 30 feet above the stricken aircraft.
Findings
Witnesses reported that the engine appeared to quit during the approach phase. Historical records indicate that previous owners of this specific airframe had noted a recurring tendency for engine failure. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
Probable cause
Engine failure during final approach leading to an unrecoverable stall.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Jan 1931 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Geelong, Australia?
A de Havilland Moth suffered an engine failure during final approach to Belmont Airport in Geelong, resulting in a stall and the deaths of both occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jan 1931 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jan 1931 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration VH-UPP, operated by John W. Paulden, at Geelong, Australia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure during final approach leading to an unrecoverable stall.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…