Aftermath of Sala-Plane Crash: Pilot David Ibbotson 'not qualified...'

Tribute to Emiliano Sala before a French Ligue 1 match - Getty

BBC Wales understands that, the pilot of the plane which crashed into the English Channel with Emiliano Sala on board, was not qualified to fly at night.


David Ibbotson is thought to have been colour-blind, and this prevent pilots from flying at night.

28-year old Emiliano Sala died when the plane carrying him from Nantes to Cardiff crashed late on 21 January.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it would not comment until the AAIB investigation was complete.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said licensing "continues to be a focus" of its investigations.

BBC understands that: Regulatory authorities have confirmed that Mr Ibbotson, from Crowle, North Lincolnshire, did not hold a "night rating" on his UK private pilot's licence.

His UK licence was mirrored by a US pilot's licence - enabling him to fly the US-registered Piper Malibu in Europe.

An Aviation source disclosed to BBC Wales: "Colour-blindness stops a pilot from obtaining a night rating straight away, because being able to differentiate between green and red lights is key to flying in the dark."

"Flying outside the restrictions of your licence is illegal and that's likely to affect the insurance cover for the flight."
BBC Sport