On December 16, 1931, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-CAKY) operated by London Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Clinton, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew's inability to locate the runway during a nighttime approach led to a low-speed stall and subsequent ground impact. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft stalled during a nighttime approach to Clinton after the crew failed to identify the runway in darkness, resulting in a crash short of the landing strip and injuries to both occupants.
What happened
During a nighttime approach to Clinton, the flight crew encountered visibility challenges that prevented them from locating the active runway. The lack of visual reference points due to darkness contributed to a loss of situational awareness during the final phase of flight. As the aircraft descended at low speed, it entered an aerodynamic stall condition before reaching the threshold. Consequently, the airplane impacted the ground short of the runway.
The collision resulted in significant structural damage to the airframe, rendering it damaged beyond repair. Both individuals on board sustained injuries in the accident.
Probable cause
The crew's inability to locate the runway during a nighttime approach led to a low-speed stall and subsequent ground impact.
What happened in the 16 Dec 1931 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Clinton, Canada?
An aircraft stalled during a nighttime approach to Clinton after the crew failed to identify the runway in darkness, resulting in a crash short of the landing strip and injuries to both occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1931 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Dec 1931 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration G-CAKY, operated by London Flying Club, at Clinton, Canada.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew's inability to locate the runway during a nighttime approach led to a low-speed stall and subsequent ground impact.
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