What happened
Following a routine flight from Fairoaks in Surrey, the aircraft was performing its approach to Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon. At the time of the incident, the local weather conditions were characterized by rain and overcast skies. As the aircraft transitioned onto the final approach, it initially followed a standard descent path. However, the flight path then changed abruptly as the aircraft began a rapid climb, likely leading the plane into the cloud layer.
During this period, the aircraft's behavior became unstable, involving a period of stalling and a left-hand turn. The plane descended to a level just beneath the cloud base before ascending steeply once more into the overcast conditions. Shortly after entering the clouds, the aircraft was seen descending in a sharp, nose-down orientation, appearing to be in a spin. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground. There were four fatalities among the occupants.
Findings
While the pilot possessed an IMC rating, it was noted that there is no published instrument approach procedure available for Dunkeswell Airfield. The sequence of events suggests that the aircraft entered a spin during its final descent through the clouds.