Ryanair Pilots' Fatal M62 Crash: HGV Driver Jailed After Court Hearing

The aviation community is mourning the loss of two promising pilots. Ryanair Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, and Captain Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, died tragically. They were killed in a devastating road crash on the M62 motorway in July 2024. The pilots were traveling from Luton Airport to Liverpool John Lennon Airport for duty.

Court Sentencing and Details

Lorry driver Anthony Burns, 63, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on January 13, 2026. Burns admitted to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. He also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to the taxi driver. The fatal collision occurred near Warrington West. The pilots' taxi was crushed between two heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The taxi driver, Rashid Mehmood, remarkably survived with serious injuries.

Driver Negligence and Conditions

Evidence showed Burns failed to heed multiple warnings. Overhead gantry signs advised drivers to slow down. The advisory speed limit was reduced to 40mph due to traffic. Burns, however, was driving his HGV at 56mph in torrential rain. He only applied his brakes less than one second before impact. Prosecutors noted he had an unobstructed view for 500 meters. Burns claimed he was “effectively on autopilot” at the time. Judge Simon Medland KC noted the speed was highly inappropriate. Burns will serve two-thirds of his sentence. He also received a 150-month driving ban.

Impact on Aviation Careers and Families

Both pilots were highly respected and ambitious in their careers. Matthew Greenhalgh had recently been promoted to Captain at Emirates (Ryanair). Jamie Fernandes was reportedly interviewing with IndiGo (British Airways) for a long-haul role. His family shared his mother's haunting final words. She told him to “watch out for idiots” before his last journey. The family statement described their profound, senseless loss. They noted the “insidious emptiness” left behind.

• The pilots were traveling for a scheduled Ryanair flight after flying an empty plane from Italy.
• Mr. Fernandes had a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, starting at age seven.
• Mr. Greenhalgh was married just three months before the tragic crash.

Industry Focus on Crew Commuting Safety

This tragic event brings renewed focus to pilot commuting safety. Airline crew often travel long distances to reach their base. This is especially true for those based at major hubs like Luton Airport. The industry acknowledges that long commutes can increase fatigue. Fatigue is a major concern for flight safety. The EASA (UK Civil Aviation Authority) regulates crew working time. However, commuting time is generally not included in official flight duty limits. Airlines and regulators must continue to address airline crew well-being. This includes the non-flying stressors of the job. Read more commercial aviation news at flying.flights. The goal is ensuring pilots are rested and fit for flight duty.