This aircraft was a new aircraft and had passed its Certificate of Airworthiness on 1st April 1930 having being bought by the National Flying Services at Hanworth as new. The aircraft was then purchased by Iona National Airways, Ireland. On 29th July 1930 the aircraft was being flown to Dublin to be taken on charge by its new owner but to cut the distance it would have to fly across the Irish Sea it was to be flown up the West coast of England, over to Stranraer and across the narrow part of the Irish Sea eventually to Baldonnel, Dublin. It is believed to have started the flight from Croydon and may have landed in the Liverpool area to refuel. As the aircraft headed north smoke was seen from the engine, the pilot made a forced landing in a field near Barfield Farm, Bootle but struck a hedge and tipped over onto its nose and wing. Iona later bought a different aircraft. The Desoutter was later transported to Croydon and repaired by July 1932 but crashed in Kent in October 1932 and was destroyed.

Pilot - Mr John Knell Morton.

Passenger - Mr Hugh Cahill (Iona National Airways founder).

Passenger - Mr R J Kelly (Irish Independent newspaper).

John Knell Morton was born at Springer, New Mexico, USA on 26th March 1905. He was awarded his Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate (Cert.No.8530) in 1929 having trained at the Midland Aero Club on 17th March 1929 and later passed his Civilian Air Navigator's Licence in Spring 1931. He applied for British citizenship and took part in an England to Australia air race in 1934. By 1936 he was chief technical officer of British Continental Airways, in 1938 joined North Eastern Airlines. He served in the RAF the Second World War being ranted a commission in the RAFVR as P/O on probation on 1st April 1940 (78732) and was promoted to F/O (war subs) on 1st April 1941 and to F/Lt (war subs) on 1st April 1942. He possibly died in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire in 1984.