2 fatalities

Fatal crash following low-level aerobatics near Wau Airport (VH-UMJ)

Wau, Papua New GuineaTakeoff (climb)

On December 26, 1932, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration VH-UMJ) operated by Guinea Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Wau, Papua New Guinea during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers immediately after takeoff. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Wau Airport when the pilot attempted low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately after the aircraft departed Wau Airport. During the initial climb phase, the pilot initiated a series of aerobatic maneuvers at a very low altitude. The maneuvering resulted in a loss of control, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly and impact the terrain. The crash was fatal for everyone on board.

Findings

The accident involved two individuals: the pilot and one passenger. Both occupants were killed in the event. The primary factor leading to the loss of the aircraft was the execution of aerobatic maneuvers at insufficient altitude, which left no margin for recovery once control was lost.

Probable cause

Loss of control during low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers immediately after takeoff.