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Night Landing Accident at Malvern Oval Involving Church Spire Collision (VH-ULH)

Melbourne, AustraliaFlight

On June 9, 1937, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration VH-ULH) operated by Australian National Airways - ANA was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne, Australia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with a church spire during an attempted emergency landing at Malvern Oval due to heavy fog reducing visibility. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-27Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted a night landing at Malvern Oval due to heavy fog but struck a church spire, resulting in injuries to both occupants and the destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

The incident occurred during a night flight when the pilot was attempting to land at Essendon Airport in Melbourne. Visibility was severely reduced by heavy fog, prompting the pilot to fly over the city in search of an alternate landing site. The pilot selected the Malvern Oval as a potential emergency landing area. During the approach, the aircraft collided with the spire of St. George's Anglican church before crashing to the ground.

Findings

The impact caused significant structural damage, resulting in the destruction of the airframe. Both individuals on board sustained injuries in the crash. The primary operational challenge cited was the poor visibility conditions that necessitated the deviation from the planned airport landing.

Probable cause

Collision with a church spire during an attempted emergency landing at Malvern Oval due to heavy fog reducing visibility.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 1937 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Melbourne, Australia?

A pilot attempted a night landing at Malvern Oval due to heavy fog but struck a church spire, resulting in injuries to both occupants and the destruction of the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 1937 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 9 Jun 1937 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration VH-ULH, operated by Australian National Airways - ANA, at Melbourne, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Collision with a church spire during an attempted emergency landing at Malvern Oval due to heavy fog reducing visibility.

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