cogwheel genevieve: Remains of 27-year-old pilot who died in Tornado jet crash recovered

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Remains of 27-year-old pilot who died in Tornado jet crash recovered

The remains of two RAF pilots have been recovered from the site of a Tornado jet crash off the north coast of Scotland, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Flight Lieutenant Adam Sanders, 27, and Squadron Leader Samuel Bailey, 26, had been missing since the accident involving two jets over the Moray Firth on July 3.

On Wednesday morning the MoD said remains found were those of Flt Lt Sanders. They later confirmed additional remains recovered from the wreckage were identified as Sqn Ldr Bailey.

A spokesman said: "The RAF can confirm that the remains of Sqn Ldr Sam Bailey have been formally identified and the next of kin informed, our thoughts and prayers remain with them at this very difficult time.

"The next of kin of the aircrew involved in this tragic incident and all at RAF Lossiemouth are very grateful for the tremendous show of public support that has been evident since."

Four personnel from RAF Lossiemouth were involved in the incident in which two Tornado GR4s came down in the Moray Firth during a training flight on July 3.

The funeral of Flight Lieutenant Hywel Poole, who was airlifted from the scene following the crash but later died in hospital, took place on Wednesday at Bangor Cathedral, Wales.

The 28-year-old was serving with the 15 (Reserve) Squadron alongside Flight Lieutenant Sanders and Squadron Leader Bailey.

A fourth member of the flight crew is recovering from his injuries in Aberdeen.

A spokesman for the Military Aviation Authority added: "The recovery of wreckage has now been completed and the service inquiry panel, assisted by the Military Air Accident Investigation Branch, will continue to work quickly and thoroughly to investigate the circumstances of the accident."