On December 26, 1928, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-AUME) operated by Australian Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne-Essendon, Australia during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled during a sharp turn at low altitude shortly after takeoff, leading to a fatal impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft crashed shortly after departing Melbourne-Essendon Airport during climb-out, resulting in the deaths of both occupants due to a stall and subsequent impact.
What happened
The incident occurred immediately following departure from Melbourne-Essendon Airport. While the aircraft was in the initial climb phase, the pilot executed a sharp turn at a low altitude. This maneuver caused the airframe to enter an aerodynamic stall. Consequently, the vehicle descended rapidly and impacted the ground approximately 400 meters from the airport perimeter. The collision resulted in a significant explosion on impact. Both occupants were killed in the event.
Findings
The source material does not provide specific investigative conclusions or detailed contributing factors beyond the immediate sequence of events described.
Probable cause
The aircraft stalled during a sharp turn at low altitude shortly after takeoff, leading to a fatal impact with the ground.
What happened in the 26 Dec 1928 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Melbourne-Essendon, Australia?
Aircraft crashed shortly after departing Melbourne-Essendon Airport during climb-out, resulting in the deaths of both occupants due to a stall and subsequent impact.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 1928 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 26 Dec 1928 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration G-AUME, operated by Australian Aero Club, at Melbourne-Essendon, Australia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft stalled during a sharp turn at low altitude shortly after takeoff, leading to a fatal impact with the ground.
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