Channel crash pilot not qualified to fly at night

The pilot of the plane that crashed carrying footballer Emiliano Sala was likely colour-blind and was not qualified to fly at night, the BBC has reported.

David Ibbotson, who died along with Sala when the plane crashed on January 21, is thought to have had a restricted license, meaning he could only fly during the day.

The journey between Nantes and Cardiff was taken late at night when light would have been at a minimum.

The BBC reported that ‘regulatory authorities’ have confirmed that Ibbotson was not allowed to fly at night as he did not have a ‘night rating’ on his private pilot’s licence.