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.
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.
What happened in the 26 Dec 1932 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Wau, Papua New Guinea?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 1932 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 26 Dec 1932 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration VH-UMJ, operated by Guinea Airways, at Wau, Papua New Guinea.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control during low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers immediately after takeoff.
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