TWO pilots whose plane crashed into the English Channel were not qualified to fly in cloud, a report has revealed.

Lee Rogers and Brian Statham were heading to Le Touquet, a seaside town in northern France, when their Piper PA-28R lost radar contact on April 2.

At the time, police said the pair had lost control in "freak weather conditions", and a search off the Sussex coast was conducted by HM Coastguard and the French Coastguard.

An Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) probe has now revealed they got into difficulty after flying into "highly convective cloud", which were creating waterspouts.

Investigators said neither men were qualified to fly in cloud, and they may have encountered heavy turbulence, as well as rain and snow showers.

Neither of the bodies have been found.

The Argus: An image taken from Lee Rogers and Brian Statham's aircraft of the weather conditions An image taken from Lee Rogers and Brian Statham's aircraft of the weather conditions

The AAIB report said: "Neither of the pilots onboard was qualified to fly in cloud.

"The available evidence, at the time of issue of this report, suggests that control of the aircraft was lost when it entered cloud.

"An extensive search of the area was coordinated by the UK and French aeronautical rescue coordination centres but neither the aircraft nor its occupants were found. It is likely the aircraft was substantially damaged on impact with the sea.

"It is very dangerous to enter cloud when not suitably qualified or when not in current practice in instrument flying.

"The radar evidence suggests the aircraft struck the water with a high rate of descent and the damage to the seat which was found suggests the aircraft was subjected to considerable forces and substantial disruption.

"It is therefore unlikely that the occupants had any opportunity to escape from the aircraft."

It is believed Lee and Brian, who met at South Warwickshire Flying School, went missing about 20 nautical miles west of Le Touquet.

The Argus: Lee Rogers Lee Rogers

Lee, who shared a video of them flying over the English Channel before their plane disappeared, reported to London they were in cloud.

Crispin Orr, AAIB chief inspector, said it was a "tragic accident" and reminded pilots of the importance of "pre-flight weather decision making".

“The accident highlights how hazardous it is to fly into cloud when not suitably qualified or when not in current practice in instrument flying,” he said.

In a tribute issued by police, Lee's family said: "Anybody who knew Lee will testify to a larger-than-life character who lived life to the full, a man with a big heart and limitless generosity.

“But first and foremost, Lee was a family man. Sarah has been married to Lee for eight years and they had been happy for many years before.

The Argus: Brian Statham Brian Statham

"Not just a great marriage but great partners who shared genuine adventures. Ellie, Lee’s daughter, and the apple of his eye was his greatest joy.”

Brian's family added: "As competent pilots, with over 20 years of flying experience combined, it was horrific news.”