What happened
While operating a cargo mission for the 242th OCU, the crew of an unidentified aircraft type encountered a critical mechanical failure. During the flight, the flight crew notified air traffic control that the right engine had experienced a fire and requested an immediate diversion to the closest available airfield.
Air traffic controllers provided vectors toward RAF Dishforth, and the aircraft began its descent. However, while flying at an altitude of only several hundred meters, the right engine became detached from the wing. Following the loss of the engine, the aircraft lost stability, pitched downward, and struck a field approximately 5 miles from the Dishforth airbase.
Of the four people on board, three fatalities were recorded. One crew member managed to exit the aircraft via bailout prior to the impact, though they sustained serious injuries during the event.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that a leak developed within a hydraulic hose. This leak allowed hydraulic fluid to escape into the engine nacelle. Upon coming into contact with high-temperature components of the engine, the leaking fluid ignited. The resulting fire led to an explosion that caused the engine to separate from the airframe.