THE pilot arrested over the death of footballer Emiliano Sala was yesterday lying low.
David Henderson, 64, was quizzed by officers after being held on suspicion of the manslaughter of the £15m striker who died in a plane crash in January.
He was registered as taking charge of the doomed flight from France to Cardiff, but later drafted in David Ibbotson, 59.
Mr Ibbotson died along with Argentine ace Sala, 28, when the plane went down off Guernsey.
Mr Henderson has not been seen at his house since shortly after he was released under investigation following the police interview.
His sister-in-law Mandy Chandler yesterday confirmed he had been arrested but refused to reveal his whereabouts.
There was no answer at Mr Henderson’s large stone house where he lives with his wife Debbie.
Neighbours in the tiny village of Hotham, East Yorkshire, last saw the couple on Wednesday evening around the time police issued a statement revealing the arrest.
Ms Chandler said she had “no idea” when they would be returning.
Asked about the circumstances of her brother in law’s arrest, she said: “I’m sorry I can’t help you. I honestly do not know very much at all.”
One resident said: “Dave and Debbie keep themselves to themselves.
“We knew he was a pilot. He was actually in the air flying when 9/11 happened, so we are told.”
Another neighbour said: “We haven’t seen any police activity around the house.”
Sala had just signed for Cardiff City for £15million from Nantes and was flying to meet his teammates when the tragedy happened.
His remains were recovered in February, but Mr Ibbotson, of Crowle, Lincs, is still missing.
Det Insp Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police, said officers “have to consider whether there is evidence of suspected criminality”.
He added: “As a result of our inquiries, we have arrested a 64-year-old man from North Yorkshire on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act.”
A preliminary accident report said Mr Ibbotson was not licensed to fly fee-paying passengers.
