Accident Overview
On a charter flight from Leeds-Bradford Airport to Staverton, a twin-engine airplane carrying a pilot and seven employees of ICI Fibres Company departed at 1715 local time. During the initial climb in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft experienced difficulties and subsequently lost control. It entered a dive and crashed in a field located two miles from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, and all eight occupants were killed. The accident occurred six minutes after takeoff.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. It appears extremely probable that the pilot became incapacitated in the air following an acute coronary episode, leading to loss of control of the aircraft.
Aftermath
The crash site was in a rural field near the airport. Emergency services responded, but there were no survivors. The flight was a company charter for ICI Fibres employees returning from a business trip.