What happened
The incident occurred during a routine training exercise originating from RAF Upper Heyford. The aircraft was carrying four personnel when it experienced a mechanical malfunction shortly after departure. Specifically, one of the engines failed while the plane was airborne. This critical failure forced the pilot to initiate an emergency landing procedure.
Despite the crew's efforts to manage the situation, the aircraft lost control and impacted the ground with one wing striking first. The crash site was located in a field near the airbase. The impact resulted in the destruction of the airframe. Tragically, all four individuals on board were killed in the accident. The victims included two pilots and two wireless operators who were part of the training crew.
Findings
The official investigation attributed the disaster to mechanical issues. The primary factor identified was the engine failure that occurred during flight. This loss of power prevented the aircraft from maintaining safe altitude and control, leading directly to the forced landing attempt and subsequent crash.