What happened
During a cargo flight operating from Edinburgh to Coventry, the aircraft was cruising at flight level 150 when the crew encountered intense icing conditions. During this period, the second and third engines experienced failures. In response to the situation, the crew received clearance to perform an emergency descent, dropping to flight level 070 and subsequently flight level 050, while intending to divert to Birmingham Airport.
As the flight progressed, the crew managed to successfully restart the second engine. However, the fourth engine then failed, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted a wooded area in Uttoxeter, situated approximately 45 km north of Birmingham Airport. The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered severe icing conditions during the flight.
- The sequence of events involved the failure of multiple engines, specifically engines number 2, 3, and 4.
- The loss of control and subsequent crash occurred following the failure of the fourth engine.