On November 13, 1931, a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth (registration ZS-ACD) operated by Union Airways (South Africa) was involved in an aviation accident near Sir Lowrey’s Pass, South Africa in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft went out of control after a wing failed structurally due to turbulence exceeding its design limits. 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 three-person aircraft crashed into flames after losing control in stormy weather over the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, killing all occupants on board.
What happened
The incident occurred during a flight from Durban to Cape Town. While traversing the airspace above the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, the pilot encountered severe storm conditions. The aircraft subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the ground, resulting in a post-crash fire that consumed the airframe. All three individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigations determined that the loss of control was triggered by a structural failure. Specifically, one wing detached from the fuselage while the aircraft was in flight due to heavy turbulence associated with the storm system. The separated wing was recovered approximately 229 metres from the main wreckage site. Evidence suggests that the atmospheric forces encountered exceeded the structural design limits of the wing component.
Probable cause
The aircraft went out of control after a wing failed structurally due to turbulence exceeding its design limits.
What happened in the 13 Nov 1931 De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth accident near Sir Lowrey’s Pass, South Africa?
A three-person aircraft crashed into flames after losing control in stormy weather over the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, killing all occupants on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Nov 1931 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 13 Nov 1931 involved a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth, registration ZS-ACD, operated by Union Airways (South Africa), at Sir Lowrey’s Pass, South Africa.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft went out of control after a wing failed structurally due to turbulence exceeding its design limits.
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