1 fatality

Single-engine aircraft crash shortly after takeoff (G-AAAL)

Sandown, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On August 21, 1939, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-AAAL) operated by Isle of Wight Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Sandown, United Kingdom during takeoff. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

A single-engine aircraft crashed and caught fire immediately after departure, resulting in the death of an instructor and injuries to a student pilot.

What happened

The incident involved a single-engine aircraft that experienced a catastrophic failure during the initial climb phase. Shortly after takeoff, the airframe lost control or suffered a mechanical breakdown, leading to an immediate impact with the ground. Upon collision, the aircraft burst into flames, indicating rapid fire development following the crash.

The accident resulted in significant casualties among the occupants. The student pilot sustained injuries during the event, while the instructor was killed in the line of duty. No specific registration number or aircraft model is provided in the available records for this incident.