What happened
During a scheduled training mission over the Weston-on-the-Green region, a four-engine aircraft departed from RAF Abingdon. The flight was transporting 35 paratroopers along with a crew of six members.
Shortly after the departure phase, while the aircraft was in a climb, the pilot notified air traffic control regarding difficulties with aircraft controls. In response to these issues, the pilot requested authorization to perform an emergency landing back at the origin airfield. Although permission to return to RAF Abingdon was granted and the crew began a landing circuit, the aircraft experienced a sudden, steep ascent reaching approximately 2,000 feet. Following this climb, the plane entered a left bank and descended rapidly into a field in Little Baldon, situated roughly 10 km east of the base.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 41 fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported from either the crew or the paratroopers on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the aircraft's elevator became stuck in an improper position. This mechanical failure was triggered by the breakage of two bolts, which had failed due to metal fatigue.