On October 3, 1936, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-AAJN) operated by The Insurance Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Brooklands (Weybridge), United Kingdom in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash occurred because the unqualified passenger inadvertently applied input to the rudder controls during a spin, preventing the pilot from recovering the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A dual-control aircraft crashed in Weybridge while approaching Brooklands after entering an uncontrolled spin, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
What happened
During the approach to Brooklands, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent that culminated in a crash at Weybridge. The incident resulted in the death of the pilot and injuries to the female passenger aboard.
Findings
Investigations revealed that the aircraft was equipped with dual controls. Club regulations required these controls to be disconnected when an unqualified passenger was on board, but this protocol was not followed. An Air Ministry inspector identified physical evidence, including marks and paint on the passenger's shoe, indicating she had placed her foot on the rudder bar pedal during the incident. The official conclusion was that the passenger inadvertently applied pressure to the rudder while the aircraft was in a spin, which obstructed the pilot's attempts to recover control.
Probable cause
The crash occurred because the unqualified passenger inadvertently applied input to the rudder controls during a spin, preventing the pilot from recovering the aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Oct 1936 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Brooklands (Weybridge), United Kingdom?
A dual-control aircraft crashed in Weybridge while approaching Brooklands after entering an uncontrolled spin, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Oct 1936 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 3 Oct 1936 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration G-AAJN, operated by The Insurance Flying Club, at Brooklands (Weybridge), United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crash occurred because the unqualified passenger inadvertently applied input to the rudder controls during a spin, preventing the pilot from recovering the aircraft.
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