AAIB Release Anniversary Statement Regarding Emiliano Sala Aircraft Crash

21st January 2020

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch today released a statement on the anniversary of the accident involving Piper PA-46-310P Malibu N264DB, that claimed the lives of footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson. 

Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents, Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said: “Today marks the anniversary of the accident involving Piper PA-46-310P Malibu, N264DB, near Guernsey, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of Mr Ibbotson and Mr Sala at this time.

“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has conducted a thorough investigation looking at a number of elements including operational, technical, organisational and human factors that may have caused or contributed to this accident. We have worked closely with many specialist organisations including the aircraft and engine manufacturers and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the USA.

The AAIB has published two special bulletins about the accident, one which contained preliminary factual information, and the second which contained medical information for the general aviation community about the dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide.

Our investigation is now at an advanced stage and we intend to publish our final report by the end of March 2020.”