One cannot be certain that the Pilot was to blame and note that "the pilot probably allowed the port wing to strike the sea" with the word "probably" being inserted. The Court is also suggesting that it happened "probably during a turn." However, there were no eyewitnesses.
1. Page 8A states regarding the Port engine ... "gives clear evidence that it was under power at the time of impact." The port wing tip was torn off (page 6A) with the aircraft striking the sea "at a fairly steep angle".
It was well established pre WW2 and in WW2 in The King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions of the Royal Air Force (K.R. & A.C.I. paragraph 1318) regarding the reputation of an Officer or Airmen that he should be able to attend a Court of Inquiry throughout, or from the time at which he is affected and cross examine any evidence which affects him adversely, which the crew were unable to do.
Mark
Last edited by Observer1940; 30th Jul 2013 at 20:51.