No fatalities

Aircraft stall and fire during final approach (VH-UKL)

Kaiapit, Papua New GuineaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 13, 1935, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration VH-UKL) operated by Guinea Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Kaiapit, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A foreign object obstructed the fuel injection system, causing an engine stoppage on final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An aircraft stalled just before landing, veered off the grassy runway, and caught fire. Both occupants sustained minor injuries, while the airframe was destroyed.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a stall shortly before touchdown. The loss of lift caused the plane to strike the ground with force. Following the impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable and veered off the designated grassy runway. It eventually came to rest in an uncontrolled position where it immediately burst into flames. Both individuals on board survived the incident but sustained slight injuries. The airframe was completely destroyed by the subsequent fire.

Findings

Investigations indicated that a foreign object entered the fuel injection system. This obstruction prevented adequate fuel supply to the engine, leading to a power failure during the critical final approach segment.

Probable cause

A foreign object obstructed the fuel injection system, causing an engine stoppage on final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jul 1935 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Kaiapit, Papua New Guinea?

An aircraft stalled just before landing, veered off the grassy runway, and caught fire. Both occupants sustained minor injuries, while the airframe was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jul 1935 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 13 Jul 1935 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration VH-UKL, operated by Guinea Airways, at Kaiapit, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A foreign object obstructed the fuel injection system, causing an engine stoppage on final approach.