On April 7, 1935, a De Havilland DH.85 Leopard Moth (registration ZS-AFN) operated by Johannesburg Light Plane Club was involved in an aviation accident near Baragwanath, South Africa during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-pilot aircraft suffered an engine failure immediately after lift-off, resulting in a crash landing that caused substantial damage and one injury.
What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the aircraft experienced a total loss of power due to an engine malfunction. With no thrust available to maintain altitude or speed, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in nearby terrain. The impact resulted in the airframe being destroyed beyond repair. As the sole occupant on board, the pilot sustained injuries during the crash sequence.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was the mechanical failure of the engine at the moment of departure. This loss of propulsion prevented the aircraft from achieving safe flight parameters, necessitating the immediate landing attempt that resulted in the structural damage and personal injury.
What happened in the 7 Apr 1935 De Havilland DH.85 Leopard Moth accident near Baragwanath, South Africa?
A single-pilot aircraft suffered an engine failure immediately after lift-off, resulting in a crash landing that caused substantial damage and one injury.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Apr 1935 De Havilland DH.85 Leopard Moth accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Apr 1935 involved a De Havilland DH.85 Leopard Moth, registration ZS-AFN, operated by Johannesburg Light Plane Club, at Baragwanath, South Africa.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…