What happened
A De Havilland DH.60G Gipsy Moth operated by Australian National Airways was preparing for takeoff while transporting young passengers from the St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage. During this phase, it collided with a second aircraft of the same type, registered VH-UHS, which was owned by the Royal Victorian Aero Club. The pilot of VH-UHS was also conducting a joy flight for boys from the same orphanage.
The impact caused extensive fires in both airframes, leading to their total destruction. While the occupants of the Australian National Airways aircraft sustained slight injuries, the pilot of VH-UHS was killed. The young passenger aboard VH-UHS was also injured in the incident.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the exact causes and specific circumstances surrounding the collision remain unknown.