On September 13, 1934, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration ZK-ABS) operated by Western Federated Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Egmont (Mt Taranaki), New Zealand in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into the slope of Mt Pouakai in Egmont National Park while cruising at high speed, resulting in the deaths of both occupants on board.
What happened
During a high-speed cruise phase, the airplane struck the terrain on the slope of Mt Pouakai. This location is situated northwest of Mt Taranaki within the boundaries of Egmont National Park. The impact was severe enough that the airframe disintegrated upon contact with the ground. Both individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the crash resulted from a controlled flight into terrain. This conclusion indicates that the aircraft remained under pilot control until it impacted the mountain slope, rather than suffering a mechanical failure or loss of control prior to the collision.
What happened in the 13 Sept 1934 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Mt Egmont (Mt Taranaki), New Zealand?
An aircraft crashed into the slope of Mt Pouakai in Egmont National Park while cruising at high speed, resulting in the deaths of both occupants on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Sept 1934 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 13 Sept 1934 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration ZK-ABS, operated by Western Federated Flying Club, at Mt Egmont (Mt Taranaki), New Zealand.
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