Incident Overview
A local test flight originating from Southend Airport, conducted with the objective of renewing the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, ended in a crash shortly after takeoff. The accident occurred when the aircraft, during initial climb, experienced a technical failure on engine number four. The crew executed an engine shutdown and initiated feathering of the propeller associated with that engine, but subsequently lost control of the aircraft.
Accident Sequence
After the loss of control, the aircraft descended and crashed in an open field located near the airport. Upon impact, the aircraft broke into two pieces and came to rest. All three crew members on board sustained injuries. Additionally, two individuals on the ground were fatally injured.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be loss of control during takeoff after feathering of the No. 4 propeller had been initiated.