A tragic Essex plane crash has taken a chilling twist. Reports reveal the pilot left a suicide note before flying a Beagle B121 Pup straight into Hanningfield Reservoir near Chelmsford on Sunday afternoon. Police have launched a “serious incident” investigation.
Disturbing Clues Found at Pilot’s Home
Officers discovered notes at the pilot’s residence suggesting he planned to end his own life. The man’s identity remains undisclosed.
Grieving locals have left flowers by the reservoir’s fence. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park remains shut as the probe continues.
Crash Details: What We Know So Far
- The crash happened just after 2pm near the Chelmsford beauty spot.
- The 1970 Beagle B121 Pup, registered G-AZDG, took off from North Weald Airfield at 11:54am, bound for London Southend Airport.
- Flight data shows the plane plunged into the reservoir at 2:03pm.
- Police have not confirmed how many were onboard or if there were casualties.
Essex Police Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan said: “We are still in the early stages of our investigation and are working closely with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) to establish what has happened.”
Nature Reserve Closed as Officials Probe Crash
Essex Wildlife Trust confirmed the nature reserve remains closed. They said:
“We are unable to comment further, as this is a police and emergency services matter. We are doing all that we can to support them.”
The AAIB has sent a specialist team to investigate the crash scene.
Both Southend Airport and North Weald Airfield declined to comment. Epping Forest District Council, owners of North Weald, stressed the probe is fully police-led.
Stay tuned for updates on this heartbreaking Essex tragedy.
