A pilot is believed to have left a “suicide note” before deliberately crashing a light aircraft into a reservoir at a scenic location in the UK.

Notes found at his residence indicate that he intended to end his life, according to sources.

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Cops remain at the scene of the tragedyPolice remain at the site of the tragedyCredit: BPM Hanningfield Reservoir incidentThe light aircraft crashed into Hanningfield Reservoir in EssexCredit: PA

The unidentified pilot crashed a Beagle B121 Pup aircraft into Hanningfield Reservoir near Chelmsford just after 2 PM on Sunday.

It is believed he was flying solo after taking off from North Weald Airfield, located just over 20 miles away, at 11:54 AM.

The privately owned plane was scheduled to fly to Southend Airport.

Authorities and Air Accident Branch inspectors are investigating the cause of the crash.

However, one source told The Sun: “Notes retrieved from the pilot's home indicate he was planning to take his own life.”

The coroner has been notified.

Flightradar24 data shows that a Beagle B121 Pup aircraft, built in 1970, did not reach its intended destination, ending its flight near the center of the reservoir at 2:03 PM on Sunday.

Data indicates that the three-seater aircraft lost approximately 1,800 feet (548 meters) of altitude in mere seconds, with the last tracking signal received at 2:55 PM, according to the flight tracker.

The aircraft was listed for sale with Plane Trading Ltd, and a staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that the aircraft was “in excellent condition and well maintained.”

The private aircraft, registered as flight G-AZDG, began its journey at North Weald Airfield at 11:54 AM and was heading to Southend Airport.

Its total flight duration was 1 hour and 23 minutes, according to the data.

Daniel Gustafsson, an aviation content expert at Flightradar24, mentioned that the aircraft was flying “under visual flight rules” and “maneuvering above and near the reservoir.”

He added, “We cannot confirm that an accident has occurred, but we can verify that we have no evidence of that aircraft landing at its intended destination.”

Plane Trading Ltd was offering the aircraft for £54,995, with the listing stating: “This magnificent, immaculate Pup 150 is superb in every aspect.”

“In short, ‘DG has excellent short-field capabilities, a good cruise speed, a Garmin suite of avionics, and a beautiful paint job with a leather interior.

“It’s a true joy to fly and handles like a small fighter; you would be very fortunate to find another one as exceptional as this!”

A “multidisciplinary team” of inspectors from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been dispatched to the site.

Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan from Essex Police stated: “We are still in the initial stages of our investigation and are collaborating closely with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) to determine what has transpired.”

Mental Health Support

Every 90 minutes in the UK, a life is lost to suicide.

It affects individuals from all walks of life—ranging from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars, and footballers.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 35, surpassing both cancer and car accidents.

Moreover, men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.

This topic is seldom discussed, creating a taboo that could continue to cause harm unless we all take action now.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with mental health issues, the following organizations offer support:

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