The two major factors which caused the accident were firstly the fact that the ailerons couldn’t be seen from the cockpit during the ‘full and free movement’ check, and secondly that the airspace close to the airfield was being used for a military exercise.

During the aileron movement check, one of the crew was sent back down the fuselage to see if they were moving correctly. Unfortunately, it wasn’t realised that the yoke was being applied in the opposite direction, so all appeared well.

The airspace restrictions in place at the time of the accident meant that the crew were given instructions to execute an immediate 90 degree turn after take off to avoid the exercise area. This led to the aircraft being put into the steep bank at low level which ultimately lead to the accident. If they had gained more height before executing any turns, as was the more normal procedure, they may have had the height and time to recognise the problem.