was drastically below acceptable limits for an aircraft
What was drastically below acceptable (indeed, mandated) limits for an aircraft was the Release to Service which was, frankly, a fabrication.
the desperate apparent attempt at an escape manoeuvre just prior to impact
Perfect description of events immediately following UFCM, reported by both senior Test Pilot (Sqn Ldr Burke) and RAF Handling Sqn at Boscombe; and as stated in RTS (depending what version you have and whether or not you believe MoD’s new claim there was no such thing as an RTS in 1994). All withheld from the BoI, or not reported by them.
Just so I make myself absolutely clear on that point - the Chinook Detachment were In-Theatre to assist the Civil and Military Authorities of the UK in the face of Armed Insurrection - they were not there to have every other day off!! Moreover, to have the 2 experienced Pilots in one Crew and the relatively inexperienced (on type) RN Pilot coupled with a Navigator in the other Crew was a most bizarre Crew Roster.
Even as non-aircrew I see your point, but is this not another example of “Organisational Fault” which, again, the BoI did not address, even though required to?