Tragedy in Kent: Vintage Tiger Moth Crashes in Steep Dive
A DH-82A Tiger Moth biplane went down in a steep nose-dive near Hythe, Kent, on 21 July 2019, killing the pilot on board. The vintage aircraft rolled sharply in a low-level turn before crashing into a crop field.
Familiarisation Flight Turns Fatal
The owner of the Tiger Moth and a professional pilot passenger were on a familiarisation flight. The owner sat in the front cockpit while the passenger took the rear, the usual solo flying position.
After completing a first sortie with general handling and circuits, they took a short break. The passenger then flew several more circuits.
Catastrophic Loss of Control
During the final takeoff, the owner performed a rolling takeoff followed by an early right turn just 20-30 feet above the ground. The passenger noticed the aircraft becoming “increasingly cross-controlled” with full right rudder and the left control stick pushed fully left.
This caused the Tiger Moth to bank steeply right, descending rapidly until it crashed into the crops nose-first.
One Dead, One Seriously Injured
The pilot in the front cockpit died instantly. The passenger was seriously injured but managed to free himself from the wreckage and seek help.
Cause of Crash Remains Unclear
“The increasing right rudder input was not corrected, and the left roll control stick reached its limit, causing the steep descending turn and likely an incipient spin,” said investigators.
The exact reason for the loss of control is unknown. Investigators have not ruled out pilot incapacitation.
