On March 28, 1935, a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth (registration G-ABIY) operated by Portsmouth Southsea & Isle of Wight Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Portsmouth, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot descended too low during approach due to reduced visibility caused by ground mist, leading to a landing on an unprepared surface and subsequent collision with obstacles. 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 single-engine aircraft struck football goalposts after landing short on a field at an aerodrome boundary due to low visibility from ground mist, resulting in minor injuries.
What happened
The incident involved a single-engine airplane that was returning to Portsmouth after completing a flight from Ryde. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger on board. During the approach phase to Portsmouth, the pilot encountered adverse weather conditions characterized by ground mist. Due to these visibility restrictions, the aircraft descended too low for the landing environment. Consequently, the airplane touched down on a football field situated at the aerodrome boundary rather than on the designated runway. Upon impact with the grass surface, the aircraft collided with the posts of the football goal. The force of the collision caused the goalposts and net to be carried across the field and onto the aerodrome perimeter. Both occupants sustained minor injuries but escaped the wreckage safely. The airframe sustained extensive damage that rendered it beyond repair.
Probable cause
The pilot descended too low during approach due to reduced visibility caused by ground mist, leading to a landing on an unprepared surface and subsequent collision with obstacles.
What happened in the 28 Mar 1935 De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth accident near Portsmouth, United Kingdom?
A single-engine aircraft struck football goalposts after landing short on a field at an aerodrome boundary due to low visibility from ground mist, resulting in minor injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Mar 1935 De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Mar 1935 involved a De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth, registration G-ABIY, operated by Portsmouth Southsea & Isle of Wight Aviation, at Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot descended too low during approach due to reduced visibility caused by ground mist, leading to a landing on an unprepared surface and subsequent collision with obstacles.
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