CHURCHAM pilot Martin Bromage probably died after hitting bad weather at the start of a solo charity flight to Australia.

Accident investigators have concluded that he probably lost control of his microlight after "encountering poor weather conditions".

The father-of-two planned to cross 16 countries in six weeks was lost over the English Channel en route to Le Touquet airport in France on January 18 this year.

His body was recovered later in the day, according to the report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. The report said that because none of the aircraft wreckage or equipment was recovered, it was impossible to determine the exact cause of the accident.

But the AAIB said Mr Bromage, who was hoping to raise £150,000 for Help for Heroes, was seen on radar manoeuvring as if trying to avoid the bad weather over the Channel.

The report stated: "The pilot gave no indication of any fault with the aircraft and although a technical failure could not be ruled out, it was considered likely that the pilot lost control of the aircraft after encountering poor weather conditions."

The AAIB also said Mr Bromage was not wearing an immersion suit for the Channel crossing but was known to have one with him.

The report said wearing one on ditching would have increased his potential survival time significantly.

Mr Bromage had started flying helicopters in 1998 but had previously made long microlight journeys. Before setting off to cross 16 countries in six weeks Mr Bromage said he was aware of the dangers of sea crossings and had equipped himself with a life raft, satellite positioning equipment, a distress beacon and a radio.

He added: "My friends and family are very, very supportive, but they think I am criminally insane."