An investigation into the light aircraft crash that killed two men at Darley Moor Airfield in Derbyshire has revealed further details about the cause of the incident. The findings were compiled into a report released by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
A tragic incident in Derbyshire
The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with emergency services responding to reports of a light aircraft crash at Darley Moor racetrack in Derbyshire.
The aircraft involved was a Hoffmann H36 Dimona piloted by Edward Browne, 66, alongside James Litchfield, 64. Both men died at the scene, with the AAIB describing the injuries they sustained in the crash as “unsurvivable.” Witnesses recounted seeing the aircraft swaying in the air shortly after take-off before veering suddenly to the right and crashing to the ground.
According to the AAIB report, the two had embarked on the fatal flight as part of an introductory flight experience that had been purchased for Litchfield as a gift from a family member.
The findings of the investigation
The exact cause of the crash is still undetermined. However, the report issued by the AAIB has finally identified the weight of the aircraft as a potential factor in the tragic incident.
According to the report, investigators have determined the plane was more than 35 kg over the advised maximum weight of 170.6kg when it took off. While this cannot be pinpointed as the direct cause of the crash, the AAIB has labelled it as a “contributory factor”. The investigation also did not uncover any technical issues with the plane that could have limited engine performance.
Despite this, the AAIB was unable to determine why the plane was unable to ascend normally. The question also remains as to what may have prevented the pilot from carrying out a successful forced landing.
The flight club, which has not been named, has subsequently amended its booking process to improve safety. The AAIB found that on the day of the crash, no weight or balance calculations had been made by Browne ahead of the flight, and that the daily inspection book had also not been signed. Now, pilots must declare the boarding weights of their aircraft prior to take-off, and customers are required to fill out an online flight waiver form.
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