Overview
A post-maintenance check flight ended in a crash near Frimley, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all six occupants. The flight had departed from London-Heathrow Airport in the morning for a routine check following a major overhaul.
Accident Sequence
Ten minutes after takeoff, while cruising at an altitude of 1,000 feet, the right wing failed and detached from the aircraft. The airplane, out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located in Frimley. The impact destroyed the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by the elevator spring tab operating in the reversed sense. This condition led to involuntary pilot maneuvers that overstressed the aircraft structure, resulting in the wing breaking off.
Further examination revealed that work performed on the spring tab mechanism during the overhaul had been carried out incorrectly. The persons responsible for inspection failed to observe the faulty operation of the tab, as they were neglectful in the performance of their duty.
Probable Cause
The accident was due to the elevator spring tab operating in the reversed sense. This involved the pilot in involuntary manoeuvres which overstressed the aircraft and caused the wing to break off. Work done to the spring tab mechanism during overhaul had been carried out incorrectly and the persons responsible for inspection failed to observe the faulty operation of the tab because they were neglectful in the performance of their duty.