An investigation into a light plane which crashed in horrendous weather conditions in the Cairngorms, has ruled that pilot error was the cause.

The body of 45-year-old Gary Key from Worcestershire, was found in the wreckage of the Piper Apache, 24 hours after crashing in heavy snow south of the Cairngorm ski area.

The aircraft, which left Carlisle en route for Wick, disappeared off the radar south-east of Glenmore Forest on April 5, 2008.

The Air and Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report revealed that the pilot encountered “severe weather and icing conditions” before hitting Cairn Gorm, 150ft below its summit.

Visibility in the Cairngorms at the time of the crash was estimated to be as low as 200m in hill fog and heavy showers of snow.

Mr Key did not hold a qualification to fly in visibility of less than 3km.

Information from mountain rescue teams in the area at the time suggest the conditions were such that the pilot would not have been able to see the mountain in time to avoid a collision

The report describes how Mr Key ran into difficulties while trying to land at Carlisle airport the day before the crash.

On the day of the crash he reported to Inverness Air Traffic Control (ATC) that he was having problems with his radio systems.

In broken transmissions received while flying over the Cairngorm National Park he asked for permission to divert to Aberdeen after encountering severe weather.

ATC advised him to instead divert to Inverness which was 20nm closer – which Mr Key accepted.

Shortly afterwards ATC lost radio contact with the aircraft.

The report concludes that the pilot may have been trying to climb above the ground in front of him at the time of the crash.