An inquest into a tragic plane crash in Dubai has revealed how RAF veteran David Phillips, 52, and two other Britons, William Blackburn, 26, and Christopher Stone, 59, lost their lives in a horrifying accident caused by turbulence from a commercial airliner.
On May 16, 2019, Phillips, Blackburn, and Stone were flying a DA62 light aircraft for Flight Calibration Services Ltd. The crew was conducting a routine inspection of a newly refurbished runway at Dubai International Airport when disaster struck. The men were killed instantly when their plane was caught in the wake turbulence of an Airbus A350, which had landed on a parallel runway.
Phillips, a distinguished RAF officer with over 30 years of service, had made nine successful approaches to the runway. However, during his tenth approach, he flew too close to the massive A350, which was landing just ahead. The recommended safe separation distance between the two aircraft was seven nautical miles, but the DA62 was only 3.7 miles away. Despite repeated warnings from air traffic control about the danger of wake turbulence, the crew did not alter their course.
The turbulence from the Airbus caused the light aircraft to roll dangerously before it was momentarily recovered. However, at just 1,170 feet in altitude, the plane was struck by turbulence once again, causing it to roll, flip, and dive steeply before crashing into the ground. The crash, which took place 3.5 miles south of Dubai International Airport, resulted in a massive fireball. All four men aboard, including South African national Fritz Venter, who had been on board to observe new runway lights, died instantly from multiple catastrophic injuries.
A report from the UAE aviation authorities confirmed that the crash was due to the DA62’s encounter with vortices created by the preceding Airbus. The investigation revealed that Phillips had violated safe separation protocols, contributing to the fatal outcome. The absence of flight data and cockpit voice recordings meant that the precise communication between air traffic control and the crew could not be determined, though it was understood that cautions had been issued regarding aircraft proximity.
The Dangers of Wake Turbulence
Marcus Cook, a senior investigator at the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, explained to the court that wake turbulence from large aircraft like the Airbus A350 can create hazardous conditions for smaller planes. The turbulence forms a spiral vortex in the air, which can be powerful enough to cause smaller aircraft to lose control, making it difficult, or impossible, for pilots to regain control.
Cook further explained that once the DA62 aircraft entered the turbulent air, it was unable to recover once struck a second time, due to the low altitude it was flying at. A safe recovery would have required the aircraft to be at an altitude of at least 1,800 feet.
The Impact on Families
The families of the victims were present at the inquest, and statements read in court described the men as dedicated professionals with a deep passion for aviation. Phillips, described as a “beloved husband, uncle and brother-in-law,” was remembered for his outstanding service in the RAF.
Christopher Stone’s family spoke of their immense loss, sharing how he died doing the job he loved. Stone, who had moved to Malaysia, was also deeply cherished by his family. William Blackburn’s father described him as “kind-hearted,” with a “loving soul” and immense pride in his son’s professional achievements.
Accidental Deaths
Senior coroner Samantha Marsh concluded that the cause of the crash was due to the plane flying too close to the Airbus A350, violating the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) safety guidelines on wake turbulence separation. She ruled the deaths as accidental, confirming that there were no mechanical faults with the plane itself and that it had been properly maintained.
A Final Tribute to RAF Veteran and His Crew
The inquest has shone a light on the dangers of aviation wake turbulence and the crucial importance of maintaining safe separation distances in busy airspaces. The victims of this tragic accident will be remembered for their dedication and passion for their work. Their loss serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation and the bravery of those who serve in the skies.
