What happened
During a local training mission operating out of Stansted Airport, the crew was performing maneuvers designed to mimic an engine malfunction. While the aircraft was in its initial climb phase following takeoff, the flight crew attempted to simulate an engine failure. During this procedure, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control, leading to an aerodynamic stall.
The plane subsequently impacted an open field and caught fire upon impact. The wreckage of the aircraft was completely destroyed by the resulting flames. There were three injuries reported among the crew members involved in the flight, but no fatalities occurred during the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the loss of control was triggered by the specific mechanics of the engine simulation. When the pilot reduced power to simulate the failure, the No.4 propeller transitioned into a fine pitch position while near the ground, which contributed to the loss of aerodynamic stability and the subsequent stall.