An investigation into the collision of two light aircraft, a Mooney M20J and RV-4, that ended in tragedy last year, has come to a conclusion.
Readers may remember the mid-air collision of two planes over Havenstreet on 4th September 2010, as they took part in the Merlin Trophy Air Race.
The Mooney M20J, was flown by father and son, Michael and James Willis, who sadly both died as a result of the collision. The other plane, an RV-4, was landed by the pilot and resulted in minor injuries for the two onboard.
RV-4 in blind spot
After retracing the movements of both aircraft, the investigation concluded that the pilot of the Mooney M20J would have been unable to see the RV-4 39 seconds before the collision.
Investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said, “The accident occurred because the pilots of both aircraft lost sight of each other. When the Mooney was in the blind spot of the RV-4, and neither pilot could see the other aircraft, the Mooney pitched up into the RV-4 and a mid-air collision occurred.”
Our sincerest thoughts are with the friends and family of Michael and James Willis.
