On May 2, 1940, a De Havilland DH.86 Express (registration OH-IPA) operated by Finnish Government was involved in an aviation accident near Helsinki-Malmi, Finland during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot miscalculated the takeoff distance due to being unaccustomed to the specific type of aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A sole-pilot four-engine aircraft collided with a stationary Finnish Air Force Brewster BW-394 while taking off from Malmi Airport, resulting in total loss of both planes and one injury.
What happened
The incident occurred during a positioning flight intended to move the aircraft from Malmi Airport to Tikkakoski Airport in Jyväskylä. The pilot was the only person on board at the time. While executing the takeoff run, the four-engine aircraft struck a Finnish Air Force Brewster with registration BW-394. The collision occurred under circumstances that were not fully clarified in the initial report. Both the civilian aircraft and the military jet sustained damage that rendered them beyond repair. The pilot survived the crash but sustained injuries.
Findings
Official investigations indicated that the accident was linked to the pilot's familiarity with the specific aircraft type. It is believed that the individual was not accustomed to operating this particular model, which led to a miscalculation of the required takeoff distance. This error in judgment resulted in the collision with the stationary military aircraft on the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot miscalculated the takeoff distance due to being unaccustomed to the specific type of aircraft.
What happened in the 2 May 1940 De Havilland DH.86 Express accident near Helsinki-Malmi, Finland?
A sole-pilot four-engine aircraft collided with a stationary Finnish Air Force Brewster BW-394 while taking off from Malmi Airport, resulting in total loss of both planes and one injury.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 May 1940 De Havilland DH.86 Express accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 May 1940 involved a De Havilland DH.86 Express, registration OH-IPA, operated by Finnish Government, at Helsinki-Malmi, Finland.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot miscalculated the takeoff distance due to being unaccustomed to the specific type of aircraft.
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