On August 12, 1940, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration K22) operated by Kenya Auxiliary Air Unit was involved in an aviation accident near Nairobi-Eastleigh (Moi Air Base), Kenya during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent immediately after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine airplane crashed shortly after departing Nairobi-Eastleigh Airport when it entered an uncontrolled descent, resulting in the deaths of both occupants on board.
What happened
The incident occurred immediately following departure from Nairobi-Eastleigh Airport. After becoming airborne, the single engine airplane failed to maintain stable flight characteristics. Instead of climbing or leveling out, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent toward the ground. The plane impacted the terrain and crashed, leading to the loss of all lives on board. Both occupants were killed in the accident.
Findings
The available information confirms that the primary event was the entry into an uncontrolled descent shortly after takeoff. No specific mechanical failures or pilot error details are provided in the source material beyond this sequence of events.
Probable cause
The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent immediately after takeoff.
What happened in the 12 Aug 1940 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Nairobi-Eastleigh (Moi Air Base), Kenya?
A single-engine airplane crashed shortly after departing Nairobi-Eastleigh Airport when it entered an uncontrolled descent, resulting in the deaths of both occupants on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Aug 1940 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Aug 1940 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration K22, operated by Kenya Auxiliary Air Unit, at Nairobi-Eastleigh (Moi Air Base), Kenya.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent immediately after takeoff.
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