Engine failure caused a model Bleriot plane to crash into the Channel today during an attempt to fly it from France to England.

The plane, which was half the size of an original Bleriot monoplane, had only been flying for about 20 minutes and was a third of the way across the Channel when the engine cut out, and it crashed into the sea.

It was being controlled from an accompanying helicopter by Dutch aviator Henk van Hoorn who, earlier this year, had successfully flown a replica of Bleriot's plane across the Channel.

Supporters had a welcome reception laid on at the Walletts Court Hotel at Westcliffe, between Dover and Deal, and were waiting at the proposed landing site nearby when news came through of the crash.

Mr Van Hoorn was said to be disappointed by the outcome of the attempt. He was unable to retrieve the wreckage of the model, and it is understood he is hoping that it will be washed up on the French coast.

"People asked me a number of times before the flight what happens if it goes wrong, and it did. It's all part the game.

Audio: Henk van Hoorn after the aborted flight

"It was disappointing. Everything looked very well and the model was behaving well. We had done more than one third when suddenly the engine quit.

"The Helicopter pilot said with the speed they going at they would have reached Dover in less than an hour, which would have been wonderful."

When asked if he would attempt it again, Henk said: "No, it was one try and either success or failure."

The flight was a re-enactment of the achievements of Bleriot in 1909 and Jacques de Lesseps the following year. It was expected to end at Wallett's Court Hotel at Westcliffe near Dover.