What happened
The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a training flight from Cottesmore to Carlisle. The aircraft was a twin-engine model operating under the command of the 14th Operational Training Unit. Shortly after initiating the descent phase in conditions of poor visibility, the plane struck a tree and impacted a hillside located near Gilling West, northeast of Richmond.
All five individuals on board were killed in the accident. The crew consisted of three pilots and two wireless operators who also served as air gunners. No survivors were reported from the impact site.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the crash resulted from a premature descent initiated while visibility was poor. This action led to a controlled flight into terrain, causing the fatal collision with the hillside.