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Aerobatic maneuver failure leads to fatal crash near Berlin-Staaken (D-1725)

Berlin-Staaken, GermanyFlight

On October 18, 1930, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration D-1725) operated by Paul Ebener was involved in an aviation accident near Berlin-Staaken, Germany in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Catastrophic structural failure resulting in the detachment of both wings during aerobatic maneuvers. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-27Data APIEditorial standards

A single-pilot aircraft suffered a catastrophic structural failure during aerobatics at low altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and the death of the pilot.

What happened

The incident involved a local flight departing from Berlin-Staaken Airport. The aircraft was operating with a single occupant, the pilot. While flying at an altitude of approximately 300 metres, the pilot initiated aerobatic maneuvers. During this sequence, both wings detached from the fuselage and separated from the airframe. Following the loss of lift surfaces, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the ground.

Findings

The structural integrity of the aircraft failed under the loads generated by the aerobatic maneuvering, leading to the complete separation of the wings. This catastrophic failure resulted in the loss of control and a fatal crash. The sole occupant, the pilot, was killed in the accident.

Probable cause

Catastrophic structural failure resulting in the detachment of both wings during aerobatic maneuvers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Oct 1930 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Berlin-Staaken, Germany?

A single-pilot aircraft suffered a catastrophic structural failure during aerobatics at low altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and the death of the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Oct 1930 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Oct 1930 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration D-1725, operated by Paul Ebener, at Berlin-Staaken, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Catastrophic structural failure resulting in the detachment of both wings during aerobatic maneuvers.

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