History of the Flight
The aircraft departed Blackbushe Airport at 0914 hrs after the pilot expressed concern about the weather. He completed seven circuits before departing for Le Touquet at 0948 hrs. The flight proceeded south to the Midhurst VOR, then toward the Seaford VOR, and crossed the English coast east of Seaford at 1020 hrs. Radar data showed the aircraft maintained a steady course until about 28 nm from Le Touquet, then turned left and descended before reversing to a track of 081°. Radar returns ceased at 1034 hrs.
Meteorological Conditions
Satellite images showed a band of low cloud or sea fog extending through the Dover Straits into the English Channel across the aircraft's route. Two airborne reports from pilots on similar routes described an area of low cloud or fog obscuring the surface with no discernable horizon, extending from about 8 nm off the English coast to about 8 nm off the French coast. The pilot did not hold an instrument or IMC rating.
Pilot Information
The 36-year-old pilot held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accrued 192 hours total flying time, with 76 hours on the Cirrus SR22. He had logged 1.5 hours of instrument flying during training and just over 4 hours since, none under instruction. A passenger reported that the pilot had previously flown through cloud with the autopilot engaged.
Aircraft Information
The Cirrus SR22 (registration N147KA) was manufactured in 2006 and powered by a single Continental IO-550-N piston engine. It was equipped with an integrated instrument system, multi-function displays, an autopilot, and an emergency parachute system. The aircraft was maintained by a Cirrus approved service centre; components such as the propeller, magnetos, and cabin heater muff had exceeded overhaul limits but were inspected and found serviceable at the last annual inspection in August 2012.
Wreckage and Damage
Floating wreckage was recovered and examined, including cabin doors, fuselage sections, and wing fragments. The high degree of fragmentation indicated a high-energy impact. Both main cabin doors were locked closed at impact. There was no evidence of emergency parachute deployment. A recreational diver later located additional wreckage, including the cabin floor, rear bulkhead with seats, and tail surfaces, but the engine and instrument panel were missing.
Investigation
The AAIB investigation did not determine the cause of the accident. The aircraft was being flown in conditions of low cloud or sea fog with little or no discernable horizon, and the pilot did not have an instrument or IMC rating.