Emiliano sala crash pilot ibbotson not licensed for flight

You're referring to the tragic incident involving Emiliano Sala, the Argentine professional footballer who was on board a private plane that crashed in the English Channel on January 21, 2019.

The plane, a Piper PA-46 Malibu, was piloted by David Ibbotson, a British pilot who was not licensed to fly the aircraft at night or in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Ibbotson did not hold a valid commercial pilot's license, and his private pilot's license was only valid for flying during daylight hours and in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.

The investigation into the crash, led by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), found that Ibbotson's lack of experience and training in flying at night and in IMC conditions were significant factors in the accident. The AAIB also identified several other safety concerns, including the pilot's failure to file a flight plan, the lack of a functioning emergency locator transmitter (ELT), and the aircraft's inadequate maintenance.

The crash of the Piper PA-46 Malibu resulted in the deaths of both Sala and Ibbotson. The incident highlighted the importance of proper pilot training, licensing, and safety procedures, particularly when it comes to flying at night or in challenging weather conditions.

It's worth noting that the investigation into the crash is still ongoing, and the AAIB is working to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, the findings so far have raised serious concerns about the safety of private aviation and the importance of ensuring that pilots are properly trained and licensed to fly.