On March 19, 1929, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration N-38) operated by Alf Gunnestad was involved in an aviation accident near Calais, France in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control due to encountering foggy conditions while flying over Calais. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A solo pilot lost control of his aircraft while flying over the Calais area in foggy conditions, resulting in a crash that destroyed the plane and killed the occupant.
What happened
The incident involved a private aircraft operated by its owner and pilot. The flight originated in Lympne after the pilot took delivery of the machine, with the intended destination being Oslo. During the transit leg over the region surrounding Calais, the pilot encountered reduced visibility due to fog.
While navigating through these meteorological conditions, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The loss of control resulted in a crash into the terrain. The impact forces and the subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the airframe completely. The sole occupant, the pilot, was killed in the accident.
Probable cause
Loss of control due to encountering foggy conditions while flying over Calais.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Mar 1929 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Calais, France?
A solo pilot lost control of his aircraft while flying over the Calais area in foggy conditions, resulting in a crash that destroyed the plane and killed the occupant.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Mar 1929 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 19 Mar 1929 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration N-38, operated by Alf Gunnestad, at Calais, France.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control due to encountering foggy conditions while flying over Calais.
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