1 fatality

Single-engine crash near Muanda during record attempt (CH-326)

Muanda, Democratic Republic of CongoFlight

On August 6, 1933, a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth (registration CH-326) operated by Carl Nauer was involved in an aviation accident near Muanda, Democratic Republic of Congo in flight. One person was killed. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting a world record flight from Cape Town to Croydon died when their single-engine aircraft crashed off the coast of Muanda, Bas Congo, while flying over the Congo River delta.

What happened

The incident occurred during an ambitious long-distance flight intended to set a world record for the route between Cape Town and Croydon. While traversing the airspace above the Congo River delta, the single-engine aircraft encountered difficulties and crashed into the water off the coast of Muanda, in the Bas Congo region. The specific circumstances leading to the impact remain unknown. As a result of the accident, the pilot was killed.

Findings

The source material does not provide detailed technical findings or a definitive conclusion regarding the mechanical or environmental factors that contributed to the crash. It is noted only that the event occurred in unknown circumstances during the flight phase over the river delta.