On September 20, 1931, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-AAJR) operated by Hampshire Aeroplane Club was involved in an aviation accident near Penzance, United Kingdom in flight. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo pilot lost control of their aircraft while flying from Whitchurch to Hamble, resulting in a crash into the sea near Penzance with no survivors or wreckage found.
What happened
The incident involved a single occupant who departed Whitchurch on a scheduled flight bound for Hamble. While traveling southward, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled state and subsequently impacted the water in the vicinity of Penzance. The specific circumstances leading to the loss of control remain undetermined. Search and rescue operations were initiated immediately following the disappearance but failed to locate any physical evidence of the airframe or the pilot.
Findings
Due to the total absence of wreckage and human remains, no definitive technical analysis could be performed on the aircraft's systems. The investigation concluded that the cause of the accident could not be established as the necessary physical evidence was never recovered from the sea.
What happened in the 20 Sept 1931 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Penzance, United Kingdom?
A solo pilot lost control of their aircraft while flying from Whitchurch to Hamble, resulting in a crash into the sea near Penzance with no survivors or wreckage found.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 1931 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 20 Sept 1931 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration G-AAJR, operated by Hampshire Aeroplane Club, at Penzance, United Kingdom.
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