What happened
During a scheduled training flight operating out of RAF Fairford, the crew was performing specific engine management procedures. As the aircraft began its initial climb, the captain instructed the co-pilot, who was performing the task under supervision, to shut down the number four engine and feather the propeller.
During this process, an error occurred when the co-pilot accidentally engaged the reverse thrust system. This action created a significant imbalance in power between the engines, known as asymmetric thrust. The resulting loss of control caused the aircraft to descend into an open field, where it impacted the ground and caught fire. There were six fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
- The accident was triggered by the unintentional activation of the reverse thrust system during an engine shutdown maneuver.
- The sequence of events began during the initial climb phase of the flight.