2 fatalities

Wing Failure Crash of Aircraft Between Hendon and Hanworth (G-AAPL)

Waltham, United KingdomFlight

On May 18, 1932, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-AAPL) operated by National Flying Services was involved in an aviation accident near Waltham, United Kingdom in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Structural failure of the wing during cruise altitude led to an uncontrolled descent and crash. 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

An aircraft suffered a wing failure while en route from Hendon to Hanworth, resulting in an uncontrolled descent into a field in Waltham. Both occupants were killed in the accident.

What happened

The incident occurred during a flight from Hendon to Hanworth. While cruising at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the aircraft experienced a structural failure involving the wing. This mechanical failure caused the airplane to enter an uncontrolled descent. The craft ultimately crashed into a field located in Waltham. Both individuals on board were killed in the event.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the accident was the sudden loss of structural integrity in the aircraft's wing assembly during level flight. This failure rendered the airplane uncontrollable, leading directly to the fatal impact with the ground.

Probable cause

Structural failure of the wing during cruise altitude led to an uncontrolled descent and crash.