1 fatality

Aircraft crash during aerotow practice near Spreitenbach (HB-EFE)

Spreitenbach, SwitzerlandTakeoff (climb)

On November 22, 1945, a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth (registration HB-EFE) operated by Private Switzerland was involved in an aviation accident near Spreitenbach, Switzerland during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during an aerotowing practice maneuver shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a field shortly after takeoff from Spreitenbach while being towed for training purposes, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries.

What happened

The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed from Spreitenbach. While climbing to an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the single-engine airplane lost control and subsequently crashed into a nearby field. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was engaged in aerotowing practice, meaning it was being towed by another airplane for training purposes.

The crash resulted in significant casualties among the occupants. One passenger was killed, while the two other individuals on board sustained serious injuries. The aircraft involved in this event was owned by E. Spahni.

Probable cause

Loss of control during an aerotowing practice maneuver shortly after takeoff.