Body recovered after light aircraft crash in Essex
The crash happened around 2pm on Sunday.
Last updated 30th Dec 2025
A body's been recovered following a light aircraft crash at Hanningfield Reservoir.
Essex Police have been working with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) to locate an aircraft that entered the water on Sunday 28 December.
The private aircraft, a Beagle B121 Pup, departed North Weald Airfield just before 12pm that day.
It crashed in the reservoir, near Chelmsford, at around 2pm.
The crash site has been located following extensive work.
Sadly, on the afternoon of Tuesday 30 December, a man’s body was recovered by divers.
An identification procedure will be led by His Majesty’s Coroner.
The investigation has not identified any suspicious circumstances and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan said: “I would firstly like to recognise that someone has lost their life in tragic circumstances. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident.
“Work to formally identify this man will be undertaken sensitively with HM Coroner, and it is not right that we officially confirm his identity until this procedure is followed.
“My officers, the AAIB and divers supporting from the Metropolitan Police Service continued to search the reservoir following activity late into Monday evening (29 December).
“Our enquiries identified the specific area we believe the aircraft entered the water, and using sonar equipment under the water the teams methodically scanned the reservoir floor.
“This has resulted in the discovery of debris and, crucially, a body.
“We believe this is the body of the sole occupant of the aircraft and our search activity has therefore concluded.
“As a result of further investigative work, we will be preparing a file for the coroner.
“Responsibility for the reservoir and any required further recovery work will pass back to the owners of the site.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry this search out. This was highly-detailed work being carried out by specialists from across multiple agencies.”
A spokesperson for Essex and Suffolk Water said: “There has been no impact to customer water supplies and Essex & Suffolk water teams are managing the reservoir carefully to ensure that water quality and ecology are protected.”