Police investigate after small aircraft crashes into Essex reservoir
Emergency services and air accident investigators remain at Hanningfield Reservoir
Last updated 29th Dec 2025
Police are investigating after a small aircraft entered the water at a reservoir in Essex.
Officers remain at the scene and Essex Police said the "serious incident" happened shortly after 2pm on Sunday at the Hanningfield Reservoir in Chelmsford, Essex.
The force did not confirm how many people were onboard and if there were any casualties.
A "multidisciplinary team" of Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) inspectors has also been deployed to the site.
Flightradar24 shows a Beagle B121 Pup aircraft, manufactured in 1970, did not land at its intended destination and its journey instead ended near the middle of the reservoir at 2.03pm on Sunday.
The aircraft, manufactured in 1970 and registered as flight G-AZDG, had departed from North Weald Airfield at 11.54am and was travelling to London Southend Airport.
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."
Essex Wildlife Trust announced the Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park remains closed.
It 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. We hope to be open again tomorrow, but we will update the public through our website and social media channels when we know more."
An AAIB spokesperson said: "An accident at Hanningford Reservoir involving an aircraft has been notified to the AAIB.
"An investigation has been launched, and a multidisciplinary team of inspectors have deployed to the accident site."
Southend Airport and North Weald Airfield said they are unable to comment on the incident.
Epping Forest District Council, which owns North Weald Airfield but does not operate any of the flights, also declined to comment as it is currently a police matter.
Essex Wildlife Trust announced the park’s closure, saying they are supporting police and emergency services who are at the scene.
The Trust stated, “Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park is closed today due to an incident. 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. We hope to be open again tomorrow, but we will update the public through our website and social media channels when we know more.”
Updates on the park’s reopening are expected to be shared via Essex Wildlife Trust’s website and social media platforms.