Pilot and Plane Had No Licence for Commercial Flight in Crash That Killed Two
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has released its final report on the fatal crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu on 21 January 2019. The aircraft, flying from Nantes Airport, France, to Cardiff Airport in the UK, went down at sea near Guernsey, killing both aboard.
Unlicensed Flight Ends in Tragedy
The plane took off at 7.06pm with a passenger on a commercial flight – but shockingly, neither the pilot nor the aircraft held the required licences or permissions for commercial operation. The plane disappeared from radar at 8.16pm, likely trying to dodge bad weather, and crashed 22 nautical miles north-north-west of Guernsey.
Safety Warning Issued Over ‘Grey Charters’
Crispin Orr, AAIB Chief Inspector, condemned the illegal ‘grey charter’ practice, saying: “The chartering of aircraft not licensed for commercial transport is putting lives at risk.” The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has stepped up efforts with its ‘Legal to Fly’ campaign to crack down on such risky operations.
Vital Safety Changes Recommended
- The AAIB issued five key safety recommendations, including mandatory carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in piston-engine aircraft like the crashed plane.
- Enhanced inspections of exhaust systems to prevent deadly CO leaks were advised.
- Improved tracking of flight crew licensing records was also called for.
“Routine maintenance cannot fully eliminate carbon monoxide risk,” Orr warned. “Installing CO warning devices is crucial to save lives.”
Industry Takes Action
In response, the CAA has launched awareness campaigns on the dangers of unlicensed charters. The engine manufacturer is updating inspection guidelines to prevent exhaust system failures.
The AAIB’s tough report sends a clear message: unauthorized commercial flights and poor maintenance standards have deadly consequences. The families of the victims, Mr Sala and Mr Ibbotson, remain in the investigators’ thoughts.
Read the full AAIB report here.
