Accident Overview
An aircraft conducting a flight test for the renewal of its Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) crashed just outside Stansted Airport after an engine failure during an overshoot. The sole occupants were a pilot and an observer, who both sustained injuries; the observer was killed and the pilot injured.
Flight Test Details
The aircraft was engaged in a flight test required for the renewal of its CofA. During the test, an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 23 at Stansted Airport was performed. Following the approach, an overshoot (go-around) was initiated.
Engine Failure and Actions
At approximately 200 feet above ground, the starboard engine cut out. The pilot attempted to restart the engine using the starter motor, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the aircraft lost both speed and altitude, ultimately crashing in an area just outside the airport boundary.
Official Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the pilot failing to feather the propeller and raise the flaps after the starboard engine had cut during an overshoot manoeuvre. A contributory factor was identified as the absence of any prescribed procedure in the Flight Manual to meet this specific eventuality. The reason for the malfunction of the starboard engine, both during a prior stall test and later during the overshoot, could not be determined.