What happened
During a scheduled test flight originating from Stansted Airport, the aircraft departed at 10:59 local time. Following takeoff, the plane began a steep ascent toward the northwest. Shortly after this initial climb, the aircraft was spotted approaching the airport from a western direction at an altitude of roughly 1,500 feet.
At 11:13 local time, the Air Traffic Control Tower received an emergency transmission from the captain, who reported that the flight controls were jammed. During this period, observers noted the aircraft performing a series of uncontrolled climbs and descents approximately 6 miles northeast of the airfield. The aircraft subsequently impacted a field, resulting in three fatalities among the crew. A significant portion of the wreckage was consumed by fire following the impact.
Findings
Investigations determined that the accident occurred because the elevator mechanism became stuck. This mechanical failure led to a total loss of control. The investigation concluded that the presence of a small foreign object within the control mechanism was responsible for the jamming.