On June 10, 1936, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration ZK-AAA) operated by Marlborough Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Blenheim, New Zealand during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on approach caused by the detachment of the rudder bar connecting rod. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A training aircraft crashed while on final approach to Blenheim Airport after losing control due to a mechanical failure. Both pilots evacuated the wreckage safely without injury.
What happened
The incident involved an aircraft operating a local training flight departing from Blenheim Airport. While executing the final approach phase, the airplane experienced a loss of control and subsequently impacted the ground. The crew consisted of two individuals: a student pilot and an instructor. Both occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage safely, resulting in no fatalities or injuries.
Findings
The official investigation identified a specific mechanical failure as the root cause of the accident. The rudder bar connecting rod detached from its attachment points. This structural separation led directly to the loss of control during the critical approach phase, causing the aircraft to crash.
Probable cause
Loss of control on approach caused by the detachment of the rudder bar connecting rod.
What happened in the 10 Jun 1936 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Blenheim, New Zealand?
A training aircraft crashed while on final approach to Blenheim Airport after losing control due to a mechanical failure. Both pilots evacuated the wreckage safely without injury.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jun 1936 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Jun 1936 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration ZK-AAA, operated by Marlborough Aero Club, at Blenheim, New Zealand.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control on approach caused by the detachment of the rudder bar connecting rod.
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