Crashed jet fighter airmen named

Tributes have been paid to Flt Lt Thompson and Flt Lt Morton

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.

Flt Lt Kenneth Thompson, 27, and Flt Lt Nigel Morton, 43, died in the accident on Thursday afternoon.

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.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are under way.

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.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said he was deeply saddened to hear of the deaths.

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.

Ambulance specialist operations crews, Strathclyde Police officers and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue teams had been called to the scene.

'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.

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."

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.