However well we knew them, the aircraft was in IMC below Safety Altitude.
I was also a Flight Safety Officer in the RAF and there was much discussion around this time regarding Squadron and Station Execs flying as they were assessed as being more at risk due to being 'distracted' by their 'day' job and their flying skills being eroded by lack of practice.
Safety altitudes were published in order that we didn't fly into cumulo granite in the Queen's or someone else's aluminium.
RIP guys, still a sad day, whatever the cause - human or otherwise.