1 fatality

Solo Training Flight Crash at Auckland (ZK-AAE)

Auckland, New ZealandFlight

On December 22, 1930, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration ZK-AAE) operated by Auckland Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Auckland, New Zealand in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during a solo training flight at low altitude. 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.

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

A pilot lost control during a local training flight from Auckland Airport, resulting in a fatal crash on the ground.

What happened

The incident involved a solo training flight operating out of Auckland Airport. While maintaining an altitude of approximately 2,500 feet, the pilot experienced a loss of control over the aircraft. The plane subsequently entered a dive and impacted the terrain, where it broke apart and ignited in a significant explosion.

Findings

The accident resulted in the death of one person, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft. No specific mechanical failures or external factors were detailed in the available records beyond the loss of control during the training maneuver.

Probable cause

Loss of control during a solo training flight at low altitude.