What happened
The incident occurred when a British aviator departed from Brooklands in Weybridge with the intention of traveling to Paris-Le Bourget. The pilot was en route to participate in the first airplane exhibition held in Europe following World War I. While overflying the Seine-Maritime region, the aircraft lost control and crashed in the area of Cottévrard, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Rouen.
The pilot sustained serious injuries during the impact, specifically a skull fracture. Despite medical attention, the aviator passed away a few hours after the crash. At the time of the accident, he was 27 years old and had previously achieved fame for completing the first nonstop transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland on June 15, 1919.
Findings
The source material does not provide specific technical findings or a formal investigation report regarding the mechanical condition of the aircraft. However, it notes that the pilot lost control of the seaplane while overflying Seine-Maritime, leading directly to the fatal impact.