On August 11, 1929, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-AAFL) operated by Thomas Owen Mills was involved in an aviation accident near Bournemouth, United Kingdom in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control by the pilot during the en route phase of a local flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A light aircraft departed Bournemouth-Ensbury Park Airfield on a local flight but crashed into the sea after the pilot lost control. Both occupants sustained injuries before the aircraft sank.
What happened
The incident involved a light aircraft operating out of Bournemouth-Ensbury Park Airfield. The plane had taken off for a local flight when the situation deteriorated during the journey. While en route, the pilot experienced a loss of control over the machine. This led directly to the aircraft descending into the sea and crashing. Following the impact with the water, the airframe sank beneath the surface. Both individuals on board were reported to have sustained injuries in the event.
Findings
The primary factor cited in the sequence of events was the pilot's loss of control while the aircraft was en route. This loss of command resulted in the immediate crash into the marine environment, causing the subsequent sinking of the vehicle.
Probable cause
Loss of control by the pilot during the en route phase of a local flight.
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