A somber stillness has settled over Hanningfield Reservoir, broken only by the quiet work of investigators. Flowers now mark the spot where a vintage aircraft met a tragic end, a poignant tribute to a flight that never reached its destination.
The aircraft, a 1970 model with the registration G-AZDG, lifted off from North Weald Airfield at 11:54 am. Its intended course was a short journey to London Southend Airport, a routine flight that ended in devastating circumstances.
Authorities responded swiftly, securing the area around the reservoir. A multidisciplinary team from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is meticulously examining the wreckage, searching for clues to unravel the mystery of what occurred.
Essex Police are leading the initial investigation, working in close collaboration with the AAIB. Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan emphasized the early stage of the inquiry, stating that establishing the facts is the immediate priority.
The Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, normally a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, remains closed to the public. The Essex Wildlife Trust is cooperating fully with emergency services, offering support while deferring comment on the incident itself.
An AAIB spokesperson confirmed the launch of a full investigation, deploying a team of specialized inspectors to the crash site. Their expertise will be crucial in piecing together the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Both Southend Airport and North Weald Airfield have refrained from commenting, respecting the ongoing police investigation. Epping Forest District Council, the owner of North Weald Airfield, has also declined to offer statements at this time.
The focus remains firmly on understanding the cause of this tragedy. Investigators are painstakingly gathering evidence, hoping to provide answers and closure to those affected by this heartbreaking event.
