On November 20, 1932, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration ZK-AAJ) operated by Marlborough Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Wellington, New Zealand during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from an aerodynamic stall induced while performing S-turns to reduce speed during the approach phase. 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.
An aircraft stalled while executing speed reduction maneuvers on final approach to Wellington-Rongotai Airport, crashing onto a nearby golf course and resulting in minor injuries for the occupants.
What happened
During the final approach phase toward Wellington-Rongotai Airport, the pilot initiated a series of S-turns with the objective of reducing airspeed. While executing these maneuvers, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall. The plane subsequently descended and impacted the ground on the Miramar golf course, located in close proximity to the airport perimeter. The wreckage came to rest in an inverted position near the 16th hole.
Both individuals aboard the aircraft sustained minor injuries during the impact. Despite the survival of the occupants, the structural damage sustained by the airframe was extensive, rendering it damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause
The accident resulted from an aerodynamic stall induced while performing S-turns to reduce speed during the approach phase.
What happened in the 20 Nov 1932 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Wellington, New Zealand?
An aircraft stalled while executing speed reduction maneuvers on final approach to Wellington-Rongotai Airport, crashing onto a nearby golf course and resulting in minor injuries for the occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Nov 1932 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 20 Nov 1932 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration ZK-AAJ, operated by Marlborough Aero Club, at Wellington, New Zealand.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident resulted from an aerodynamic stall induced while performing S-turns to reduce speed during the approach phase.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…