What happened
During a scheduled mail delivery mission traveling from Manchester-Ringway Airport toward Belfast-Nutts Corner Airfield, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of altitude immediately following departure. After departing from runway 06, the aircraft type struggled to climb effectively. Approximately 800 meters beyond the end of the runway, the plane struck a tree. The impact caused the aircraft to stall and crash into a nearby field, where the wreckage was completely destroyed.
The accident resulted in two fatalities among the crew, while the third person on board sustained serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations determined that the primary reason the plane could not maintain altitude was a loss of engine power. This power loss was triggered by ice accumulating within the carburetor intakes, which occurred because the pilot did not engage the necessary heat controls. Additional contributing elements noted during the investigation included the presence of snow on the wings and the fact that the undercarriage remained extended during the flight phase.