What happened
On the morning of the accident, the pilot filed a flight plan intending to fly from Guernsey to the Berry Head VOR at FL 100 for the purpose of conducting a performance-related test flight. Following engine start and taxiing, the aircraft departed at 0918 hrs. During the initial climb, air traffic control responsibilities transitioned from Guernsey ATC to the London Air Traffic Control Centre (LATCC) at 0930 hrs.
As the aircraft neared Berry Head, the commander requested a descent to FL 60, which was granted. Following a handover to Exeter ATC at 0943 hrs, the aircraft was vectored north to avoid Plymouth Airport departures. The crew subsequently requested and received permission to descend further to FL 50. At 0947 hrs, the Exeter controller observed that the aircraft's transponder altitude readout indicated FL 47. Despite attempts by the controller to contact the crew regarding safe altitude levels, there was no response. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft's radar signature and primary radar return disappeared from the controller's screen.
Numerous witnesses observed the aircraft during its final descent. While weather conditions were described as clear with minimal cloud cover, observers noted the aircraft was in a spiral or spinning motion, often described as a left-hand spin or a falling leaf pattern. Witnesses who could hear the engines reported they were operating at a high power setting, and no smoke or fire was visible prior to impact. The aircraft struck the ground, resulting in an immediate post-crash fire. There were 2 fatalities.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a planned performance-related test flight.
- The crew was unable to respond to air traffic control communications during the final stages of the descent.
- The aircraft entered a spiral or spinning descent prior to impacting the ground.