On June 23, 1934, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration VH-UGU) operated by I. J. Bishop was involved in an aviation accident near Adelaide-Parafield, Australia in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Mid-air collision between two aircraft conducting simultaneous local training flights. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Two single-engine aircraft collided mid-air while conducting local training sorties, resulting in the destruction of both planes and the fatalities of their respective pilots.
What happened
A De Havilland DH.60X Moth bearing the registration VH-UGU was engaged in a local training flight departing from Adelaide-Parafield Airport. The aircraft, which was privately owned, was piloted by an individual conducting solo exercises. During this operation, it encountered another aircraft in the airspace: a De Havilland DH.60M Gipsy Moth registered as VH-UNE. This second plane, associated with the Royal Aero Club of South Australia, was also performing a local solo training flight.
The two machines collided in mid-air. Following the impact, both aircraft lost control and descended rapidly to the ground. The force of the crash resulted in the total destruction of both airframes. Both pilots were killed in the incident.
Probable cause
Mid-air collision between two aircraft conducting simultaneous local training flights.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Jun 1934 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Adelaide-Parafield, Australia?
Two single-engine aircraft collided mid-air while conducting local training sorties, resulting in the destruction of both planes and the fatalities of their respective pilots.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jun 1934 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jun 1934 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration VH-UGU, operated by I. J. Bishop, at Adelaide-Parafield, Australia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Mid-air collision between two aircraft conducting simultaneous local training flights.
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