What happened
During a visual flight rules (VFR) flight traveling from Dinette, France, toward the Channel Islands, an aircraft was positioned on the right base leg for Runway 09 at Jersey Airport. As the aircraft aligned with the runway heading, it was noted to be positioned slightly to the left of the runway centerline. During the approach, the aircraft began a descent and a turn to the left, reaching an altitude of approximately 100 feet.
Following a brief radio communication from the pilot, the aircraft's altitude rose sharply to 600 feet. Shortly after this rapid ascent, the plane began to descend and subsequently vanished from radar tracking. The aircraft impacted the sea, resulting in two fatalities.
Findings
Investigations suggest that the aircraft likely experienced a stall during a final pull-up maneuver. This aerodynamic stall led to a loss of control, causing the aircraft to strike the water.