On June 21, 1937, a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth (registration CF-AGQ) operated by Leavens Brothers Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Mary's, Canada in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash was caused by an in-flight structural failure of the starboard wing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private aircraft crashed into a wheat field near Saint Mary's while en route from Toronto to Detroit, killing all three occupants on board.
What happened
The incident occurred during the cruise phase of a flight traveling from Toronto to Detroit. While in the air, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of control over the aircraft. The plane subsequently dove toward the ground and impacted a wheat field situated near Saint Mary's. The crash resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board, including the pilot and two passengers.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified the primary cause as an in-flight structural failure of the starboard wing. This mechanical breakdown led directly to the loss of control and the subsequent fatal impact.
Probable cause
The crash was caused by an in-flight structural failure of the starboard wing.
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