By flying below safety altitude in IMC without positive radar control, the flight leader displayed woeful situational awareness and, as a result, caused the controlled flight into terrain of both himself and his wingman.
This was not helped by his lack of understanding of UK ATC procedures, and the confusion he caused to the ATCO providing the Radar Information Service by his incorrect use of domestic US terminology.
All RAF pilots of my era were taught low level weather aborts during their basic Jet Provost low level navigation training. Quite why this experienced pilot was so unaware of the immediate terrain and yet pressed on with his exercise will probably never be fully established.
The CM cleared the ATCO of any blame and costs were awarded against the Crown. One hopes that the ATCO's QC will go into battle once more to demand both a retraction and an unequivocal apology.
Is the report available in the public domain yet? The US press are reporting: 'The report concluded that "the controller's actions were not the cause of the accident, though they made it very likely to occur." '