De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide crash into the sea off Folkestone (G-ACPM)

What happened

While overflying the English Channel, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by light rain and fog. Deciding to return, the aircraft continued flying under Visual Flight Rules despite Instrument Meteorological Conditions prevailing. Due to low visibility, the pilot was unable to distinguish the water surface from the sky or clouds. The aircraft eventually lost control and impacted the sea approximately five kilometers off Folkestone. All seven occupants were killed in the accident.

Findings

The UK Air Ministry attributed the cause of the accident to a lack of skill and knowledge in matters of navigation on the part of the pilot. It was noted that he lacked both a navigator’s license and previous experience in instrument flying. Evidence indicated that the pilot had followed the coastline, remaining below the clouds, rather than proceeding on a direct compass course to his destination. Apparently losing sight of land while over the Channel, he may have turned back towards the west in order to once again make visual contact with the coast of England. It was theorized that while in a gradual descent through the mist he failed to distinguish the glassy surface of the water in time to avoid the accident. The crash was believed to have occurred fewer than 10 minutes after a second request from the pilot to Croydon Aerodrome for a position. However, the delay and ultimate failure to provide bearing information was not considered a contributing factor.