On September 18, 1932, a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth (registration VH-UPM) operated by New England Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Byron Bay, Australia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Strong drafts exceeded the design limits of the left wing and rudder, causing them to fail in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A light aircraft crashed after structural failure during a turn at low altitude over the Burringbar Mountain Range, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.
What happened
During a cruise phase at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above the Burringbar Mountain Range, the pilot encountered strong winds and turbulence. While executing a right turn, the aircraft suffered a catastrophic structural failure when the left wing and the rudder detached from the airframe. The loss of these critical control surfaces rendered the aircraft uncontrollable, leading to an immediate crash. The impact destroyed the aircraft on impact with the terrain.
All three individuals on board were killed in the accident. The fatalities included the pilot and two passengers.
Probable cause
Strong drafts exceeded the design limits of the left wing and rudder, causing them to fail in flight.
What happened in the 18 Sept 1932 De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth accident near Byron Bay, Australia?
A light aircraft crashed after structural failure during a turn at low altitude over the Burringbar Mountain Range, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Sept 1932 De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Sept 1932 involved a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth, registration VH-UPM, operated by New England Airways, at Byron Bay, Australia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Strong drafts exceeded the design limits of the left wing and rudder, causing them to fail in flight.
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