Accident Overview
On the day of the accident, the aircraft departed London-Heathrow Airport at 1010 local time for a test flight related to the renewal of its Certificate of Airworthiness. After completing the required tests, the crew requested a descent from 12,000 feet to 3,000 feet. Approximately three minutes after beginning the descent, while cruising in visibility reduced by fog, the aircraft struck the ground and crashed in a field located in Winkton, southeast of Bournemouth-Hurn Airport.
The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. Seven occupants were killed, and three others sustained serious injuries.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from the aircraft being flown into ground obscured by fog. This occurred because both the captain and the first officer failed to establish the altitude of the aircraft before and during the final descent. The investigation placed the responsibility for the accident with the captain.
A contributory factor was the design of the three-pointer altimeter fitted to the aircraft. The height presentation required a higher degree of attention to interpret accurately than is desirable for such a vital instrument, particularly when considered in conjunction with the nature of the test flight being conducted.