Accident Summary
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was conducting a ferry flight from Nice, France, to London-Gatwick, United Kingdom. While descending toward Gatwick Airport under visual flight rules (VFR), the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions including rain and turbulence. The pilot entered clouds and subsequently lost control of the airplane. It plunged to the ground and crashed in a field. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was killed.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the aircraft collided with high ground while the pilot was attempting to navigate at low altitude in poor visibility. Turbulent airflow in the lee of a ridge may have been a contributory factor. It was noted that no topographic maps for the United Kingdom were found in the aircraft. The pilot likely did not recognize the seriousness of the deteriorating weather situation in southern England until after crossing the coast, at which point he had to fly at low altitude to maintain visual contact with the ground.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states: The aircraft collided with high ground when the pilot was attempting to navigate at low altitude in poor visibility. Turbulent airflow in the lee of a ridge may have been a contributory factor. Investigators did not find any topographic maps for the UK in the aircraft. The pilot probably did not recognise the seriousness of the deteriorating weather situation in southern England until he crossed the coast and had to fly at low altitude to remain in visual contact with the ground.