Pilot killed in replica Spitfire crash 'died following his passion' says widow

24 August 2023 , 08:50

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Trevor Bailey, 68, died after the replica Spitfire he was flying crashed into a field near Enstoe, Oxfordshire

Heartbroken friends and family have paid tribute to a man who died after the replica Spitfire he was flying crashed into a field in Oxfordshire on Tuesday.

His wife Kate said the family had been left “devastated” following the tragic incident. In a post on social media she wrote: “He was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and loved by so many wonderful friends the world over. He lost his life following his passion. We are all devastated.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Tuesday after Mr Bailey’s plane crashed into a field near the A44 in Enstone, West Oxfordshire. The 68-year-old former executive at RBS bank was an experienced pilot with more than 1,000 hours of experience. Mr Bailey flew a kit-built replica of a spitfire as part of the Enstone Flying Club's Spitfire Tribute Squadron. He previously told the Oxford Mail that flying the plane “can be a challenge".

Club organiser Paul Fowler, 57, paid tribute to Mr Bailey after his tragic flight, describing him as a "great pilot and a friend". He told the Oxford Mail: "Trevor was always enthusiastic about the Spitfire project. It is a devastating loss to his family, friends and the whole flying community.”

Trevor Bailey pictured with his wife Kate

Speaking to the Oxford Mail in 2018 Mr Bailey, from Cheltenham, said flying the replica aircraft, which are powered by a car engine, made him nervous. said: “They are great fun to fly but can be a challenge. There is a lot going on and it’s not very comfortable. I think most pilots are wannabe Spitfire pilots but will never get the chance.”

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After five years working as marketing director at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Mr Bailey set up a company providing advice to trainee pilots. He was an accredited light aircraft coach and also flew in a replica First World War SE5a biplane as part of a display team. His father was a flight test engineer at Vickers Armstrong, the company which produced the Spitfire plane.

Police and emergency responders at the scene of the crash in a field near Enstoe, Oxfordshire (SWNS)

Friends and wellwishers responded to his wife Kate’s Facebook post with tributes of their own, one saying: “I felt awash with his warmth, humour and enthusiasm. What a lovely man. I’m so sad he’s gone from yours and everyone’s life.” Another wrote: “Trev was a friend to everyone & everyone wanted to be Trev’s friend, always smiling, always positive! RIP Trevor.”

While a third said: “my heartfelt sincere condolences go out to you and your family. Truly shocked by this very sad news. What a wonderful couple you were; it was clear to all how much he adored you. Trevor was one of a kind. I hope the love of your nearest and dearest gives you strength today and beyond.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: 'At around 3.05pm on Tuesday, officers were called to a field not far from the A44 in Enstone, West Oxfordshire, to reports of a light aircraft crash. Sadly, the pilot, a 68-year-old man from Gloucestershire, was pronounced dead at the scene. The pilot, who was the only occupant, was flying a replica Spitfire. Our thoughts remain with the family of the pilot. We are conducting an investigation to understand the circumstances of the crash. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch will also be conducting a parallel investigation to identify any learning for the aviation industry.”

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