A pilot reportedly left a "suicide note" before plunging a plane into a reservoir at a UK beauty spot. Sources claim that police officers found notes written by the unnamed pilot at his home on Monday (December 29).
The Beagle B121 Pup aircraft, which was privately-owned, was due to fly to Southend Airport but dive-bombed into Hanningfield Reservoir, near Chelmsford in Essex, at around 2pm on Sunday (December 28). The pilot was reportedly flying alone and took off from North Weald Airfield, just over 20 miles away, at 11.54am.
As reported by The Sun, an investigation has since been launched by local police and Air Accident Investigation Branch inspectors. Meanwhile, a source added: "Notes recovered from the home of the pilot suggest he was intending to take his own life."
Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan, Essex Police, 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."
Flowers were left at the scene of the crash on Sunday. The Essex Wildlife Trust confirmed that the reservoir park would be shut throughout the day as emergency services, including Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, responded to the incident.
A "multidisciplinary team" of Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) inspectors were also sent to the crash scene. They are now working to establish the circumstances of the crash.
The Beagle B121 Pup aircraft is described by Plane Trading Ltd as "immaculate" and "just superb in every respect". The company sells the plane for £54,995.
It adds: "In a nutshell, 'DG has good short-field capabilities, decent cruise speed, a Garmin suite of avionics and excellent paint with a leather interior. She's a real joy to fly and handles like a little fighter; you'd be very lucky to find another one as good as this!"
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