A man’s body has been recovered from Hanningfield Reservoir following the crash of a small private plane on December 29, 2023. According to Essex Police, the man was the only occupant of the Beagle B121 Pup, which took off from North Weald Airfield, near Harlow, shortly before 12:00. The aircraft went down in the reservoir, located near Chelmsford, around two hours later.
Investigation Underway
Essex Police have reported that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the crash. A file is being prepared for the coroner to begin the identification process. Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan expressed condolences, stating, “I would firstly like to recognise that someone has lost their life in tragic circumstances. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident.”
The police, along with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and divers from the Metropolitan Police Service, conducted extensive search operations in the reservoir. “Our inquiries identified the specific area where the aircraft is believed to have entered the water. Using sonar equipment, teams methodically scanned the reservoir floor,” Khan explained. This effort led to the discovery of debris from the aircraft and, crucially, the recovery of the body.
Water Supply Unaffected
Essex and Suffolk Water confirmed that the incident has not impacted the supply of water to customers. A spokesperson for the water management company stated, “Essex and Suffolk Water teams are managing the reservoir carefully to ensure that water quality and ecology are protected.”
As the investigation continues, responsibility for the reservoir and any further recovery operations will return to the owners of the site. Chief Superintendent Khan thanked the public for their patience during this detailed and sensitive operation involving multiple agencies.
The tragic event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with private aviation. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
