2 fatalities

1929/1930 Antarctic Whale Research Aircraft Disappearance (N-42)

Antarctica, AntarcticaFlight

On December 26, 1929, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration N-42) operated by Hvalfangstselskapet Kosmos was involved in an aviation accident near Antarctica, Antarctica in flight. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A research aircraft carrying two crew members failed to return to its base during a whale survey season in Antarctica, leading to a week-long search that ended without finding the plane or occupants.

What happened

During the 1929/1930 research season, an expedition was conducted over Antarctica to locate whales on behalf of the Hvalfangstselskapet Kosmos. The operation involved a specific aircraft tasked with aerial surveys in support of the whaling company's activities.

On one particular day, the aircraft departed for its mission with two individuals on board: the pilot and Ingvald Schreiner, who served as the expedition doctor. As evening approached, the plane did not return to the accompanying boat as scheduled. This failure to check in triggered immediate search and rescue operations.

The search efforts continued for approximately one week. Despite these sustained attempts, no trace of the aircraft or its crew was ever located. The operation was eventually abandoned due to the lack of any evidence regarding the fate of the missing party.