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DH.83 Fox Moth runway excursion in Port Moresby (VH-UZD)

Tapini, Papua New GuineaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 2, 1949, a De Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth (registration VH-UZD) operated by Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services was involved in an aviation accident near Tapini, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from undercarriage failure and the adverse effects of katabatic winds during landing, exacerbated by the pilot's limited experience on the DH.83 Fox Moth. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-24Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft veered off the runway during landing in Port Moresby due to undercarriage failure and strong winds, resulting in no injuries but total loss of the airframe.

What happened

The incident involved a DH.83 Fox Moth operating out of Port Moresby. The aircraft was carrying one pilot, three passengers, and two sacks of rice as cargo. During the landing phase, the undercarriage failed, causing the airplane to veer off the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently collided with an embankment. All four occupants on board were unhurt in the accident. However, the damage sustained by the airframe was severe enough that it was declared damaged beyond repair and not repaired.

Findings

Investigations indicated that the pilot had limited experience flying this specific type of aircraft, having previously operated primarily DC-3s. The encounter with katabatic winds during the landing approach was cited as a contributing factor to the loss of control.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from undercarriage failure and the adverse effects of katabatic winds during landing, exacerbated by the pilot's limited experience on the DH.83 Fox Moth.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Oct 1949 De Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth accident near Tapini, Papua New Guinea?

A single-engine aircraft veered off the runway during landing in Port Moresby due to undercarriage failure and strong winds, resulting in no injuries but total loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Oct 1949 De Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Oct 1949 involved a De Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth, registration VH-UZD, operated by Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, at Tapini, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted from undercarriage failure and the adverse effects of katabatic winds during landing, exacerbated by the pilot's limited experience on the DH.83 Fox Moth.

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