Flight instructor John Smith (52), who formerly lived in Sion and was well known in Jersey’s aviation community, was pronounced dead at the scene after his Piper PA-28 came down in countryside in Gloucestershire.
His 24-year-old student, Kuwaiti national Ahmed Abdullah – who was training to be a commercial pilot – was also killed.
Tributes have been paid to the former Jersey resident, who was described as ‘an absolute legend’.
James Evans, chief flying instructor at the Jersey Aero Club, said Mr Smith learned to fly in Jersey during the late 90s before moving to the UK to take a job as an instructor in Coventry.
‘He did his private pilot’s licence here before doing his commercial licence and instructor rating in the UK. I think he met his wife there and immediately decided to stay. He got a job at a flying school and had been there for about ten years,’ he said.
‘Everyone at the club will say that he was a very good pilot – he was extremely well known and liked. Besides flying, he also had an extremely strong support of the social side of the club.
‘He was an absolute legend, I have nothing but praise for him,’ added Mr Evans.
An investigation into the crash, which happened during a flight from Gloucestershire Airport on 8 January, is being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
Former colleagues and school friends of Mr Smith, who was educated at Les Quennevais School and later worked at Jersey Electricity, have also paid tribute on social media.
Eddie Boschat said: ‘Such a shock. I worked with John for many years. He was one of life’s true gents. RIP John, taken so young.’
And Aubrey Williams added: ‘Terrible news, such a tragedy. He was such a sweet guy at school. Deepest condolences to his close friends and family.’
Mr Smith’s employers, Aeros Flight Training, described Mr Smith, who lived in Moreton-on-Marsh in Gloucestershire, as a ‘popular’ staff member.
Nick Dunn, the company’s managing director, said: ‘This accident has shocked and saddened everyone in the company. John Smith, the senior instructor at our Coventry business, was highly experienced. He was very popular with both his colleagues and his students – enthusiastic, a great communicator and always ready with one of his famous jokes.’
He added: ‘The student on board had been training towards qualification as a commercial pilot, intending to join an airline in the near future.
‘We send our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of both pilots.’
An inquest into the deaths was opened and adjourned.
