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Probe into RAF jet fighter crash Crashed jet fighter airmen named
(about 17 hours later)
Investigators and RAF engineers are beginning the second day of a recovery operation after a jet fighter crash which killed two air crew. The two crew of an RAF jet fighter who were killed when it crashed into a hillside in Argyll have been named by the Ministry of Defence.
The Tornado, from 43 Squadron, based at RAF Leuchars in Fife, hit a hillside near Arrochar in Argyll on Thursday. Flt Lt Kenneth Thompson, 27, and Flt Lt Nigel Morton, 43, died in the accident on Thursday afternoon.
The aircraft had been on a training flight with another Tornado at the time. Next of kin have been informed. The Tornado crew were from 43 Squadron, based at RAF Leuchars in Fife. The aircraft had been on a training flight with another Tornado at the time.
RAF teams said the wreckage, fuel and other hazardous material from the crash was spread over a sizeable area. Investigations into the cause of the crash are under way.
The crash is being investigated at the moment. There will be a service inquiry held by the RAF MoD spokesman Paying tribute to the pilot and navigator, Wing Commander David Hazell, 43 Squadron's commanding officer, said: "Their deaths are a huge loss to the squadron and the Tornado F3 Force as a whole.
We, the family have lost our son and brother, but take some comfort from the fact that he died doing what he loved - flying Statement from the family of Flt Lt Thompson
"However, it is nothing compared to that suffered by their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this dreadful time."
Pilot Flt Lt Thompson was from the Glasgow area. Weapon Systems Officer Flt Lt Morton was from Fife.
Flt Lt Thompson's family said in a statement that he was passionate about his career in the RAF and that he loved life.
"We, the family have lost our son and brother, but take some comfort from the fact that he died doing what he loved - flying," they said.
Flt Lt Morton's family paid tribute to a "beloved father and husband, son, brother and son-in-law" who was respected by all who worked with him.
RAF teams investigating the accident in Glen Kinglas near Arrochar said the wreckage, fuel and other hazardous material from the crash was spread over a sizeable area.
Investigators have been examining wreckage at the crash scene
It could be some days before the recovery operation is completed and a formal investigation can begin.It could be some days before the recovery operation is completed and a formal investigation can begin.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "At the moment our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and colleagues of the two air crew who lost their lives. Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said he was deeply saddened to hear of the deaths.
"The crash is being investigated at the moment. There will be a service inquiry held by the RAF." He added: "A thorough investigation is under way to establish the cause of the incident.
"I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the families of the two aircrew as they face this shocking loss."
The plane came down at about 1145 BST close to the Rest And Be Thankful tourist spot near the village of Arrochar on the A83, west of Loch Lomond.The plane came down at about 1145 BST close to the Rest And Be Thankful tourist spot near the village of Arrochar on the A83, west of Loch Lomond.
No civilians were reported to have been hurt in the accident.
Ambulance specialist operations crews, Strathclyde Police officers and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue teams had been called to the scene.Ambulance specialist operations crews, Strathclyde Police officers and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue teams had been called to the scene.
Campers at the Ardgarten caravan site said they saw two planes flying low 'Daily risks'
Locals reported seeing the two aircraft flying low in the area at about lunchtime.
Weather in the area at the time was said to be overcast with thick cloud.Weather in the area at the time was said to be overcast with thick cloud.
Andy Graham, 60, a retired rigger who moved to Arrochar three years ago, said he saw two Tornados flying low in the area at about lunchtime.
He said: "We get jets flying over here on training exercises quite regularly.
"It's not unusual to see them and you definitely hear them."
RAF Leuchars is in the North East Fife constituency of Liberal Democrat MP Sir Menzies Campbell.RAF Leuchars is in the North East Fife constituency of Liberal Democrat MP Sir Menzies Campbell.
He said: "This tragic accident is yet another reminder of the risks which our service men and women have to face every day. He said: "This tragic accident is yet another reminder of the risks which our service men and women have to face every day."
"The professionalism of the Royal Air Force is only assured by their constant training and preparation for combat. The F3 came into service with the RAF in the 1980s. The pilot in the front seat flies the aircraft, while the rear seat weapons systems officer controls the radar and defensive counter-measures systems.
"The sympathy of the whole North East Fife community will be with the family and friends of the crew of this aircraft."
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