What happened
During a certification flight program, an MK.2 aircraft, which had undergone a recent conversion to a 21 version, experienced a catastrophic loss of control. The flight was the second mission conducted as part of the ongoing testing process. Approximately 34 minutes after departing from Bristol-Filton Airport, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive.
The plane impacted the ground in a field situated in Cowbridge, located south of Wales. The accident resulted in four fatalities, involving the pilot and three engineers from Bristol.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the primary cause was a structural failure within the fuselage stern frame, specifically at the point where the fin is attached. This failure occurred because the fin and rudder were subjected to aerodynamic loads exceeding the design ultimate load capacity. Technical analysis indicated that this overloading was triggered by excessive rudder input while the aircraft was traveling at speeds surpassing 120 knots.