Crash landing of a D.H.82 Tiger Moth at a landing field 2 miles north of Essendon Airfield, in Victoria on 22 Dec 1940

CRASH LANDING OF A D.H.82 TIGER MOTH
AT A LANDING FIELD 2 MILES
NORTH OF ESSENDON AIRFIELD, VIC
ON 22 DECEMBER 1940

At about 1655 hours on 22 December 1940, D.H.82 Tiger Moth A17-684 of No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School at Essendon Airfield, in Melbourne, Victoria, crash landed at a landing field 2 miles north of Essendon Airfield. Pupil L.A.C. Thomas George Maloney (400626) was flying solo, and practicing landings when his starboard wing struck the ground and the aircraft overturned. L.A.C. Maloney was very slightly injured.

The four mainplanes were extensively damaged. The centre section of the petrol tank was extensively damaged. The fin and rudder were completely destroyed. The fuselage was extensively damaged. The engine bay was extensively damaged. There was probable damage to No. 1 Bay. The airscrew was damaged beyond repair. The engine was torn from its mounting and there was extensive damage to accessories.

Interestingly enough, D.H.82 Tiger Moth A71-684 still exists today. It was exported to USA and registered as N82MK and in September 2025, A17-684 was based at KC77 Poplar Grove Airport, Illinois, USA, where it has been based since 3 August 2001.

Photo:- Tom Peterson collection