Accident Details
A VFR flight from Dinan, France, to Jersey, Channel Islands, was in the process of joining the circuit on right base for Runway 09 at Jersey Airport. The aircraft turned onto the runway heading and was positioned slightly left of the runway centreline. It then commenced a descent and a left turn, with the descent continuing to an altitude of 100 ft. During the turn, the pilot made a short radio transmission. Subsequently, the aircraft's altitude increased rapidly to 600 ft before it descended and disappeared from radar.
Stall and Loss of Control
The aircraft probably stalled in the final pull-up manoeuvre, leading to a loss of control and impact with the sea. The accident resulted in fatal injuries to those on board, identified as Carl Whiteley and his wife.
Probable Cause
The official finding stated that the accident was probably as a result of the pilot’s attempt to recover to normal flight following a stall or significant loss of airspeed at a low height, after a rapid climb manoeuvre having become disoriented during the approach in fog.