FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Collision between two single-engine aircraft at St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage (VH-UNP)

Melbourne-Essendon, AustraliaTakeoff (climb)

On June 11, 1939, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration VH-UNP) operated by Australian National Airways - ANA was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne-Essendon, Australia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact causes and circumstances of the collision remain unknown. 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

Two De Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft collided during takeoff preparation, resulting in one fatality and injuries to the remaining occupants.

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.

Probable cause

The exact causes and circumstances of the collision remain unknown.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jun 1939 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Melbourne-Essendon, Australia?

Two De Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft collided during takeoff preparation, resulting in one fatality and injuries to the remaining occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jun 1939 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 11 Jun 1939 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration VH-UNP, operated by Australian National Airways - ANA, at Melbourne-Essendon, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact causes and circumstances of the collision remain unknown.

More accident analyses