“Enthusiastic” Jersey flying instructor dies in plane crash

Tuesday 16 January 2018

Tributes have been paid to a “popular” and “enthusiastic” Jersey flying instructor who lost his life in a plane crash last week.

John Smith (52), who was from Jersey but later moved to Moreton-in-Marsh, died during a light aircraft flying lesson with his student, Ahmed Abudullah (24), a trainee commercial pilot from Kuwait, on Monday 8 January.

Their single-engine plane came down in a field near to Overbury, Tewkesbury as it made its way to Gloucestershire Airport in foggy conditions. 

West Mercia Police received a report of the incident shortly before 12:50. They arrived at the scene with West Midlands Ambulance Service and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Services shortly after, but both instructor and student were sadly both pronounced dead. 

An inquest has now opened into the men’s death, which should conclude in a few months’ time. The Air Accidents Investigation Brand (AAIB) is also investigating the cause of the crash.

Emergency services remain at the scene of a light aircraft crash in a field near to Overbury, Tewkesbury, in which two people on board have sadly died. A scene guard and a cordon are in place and are likely to remain there overnight: https://t.co/xHlSyQS7aF

— West Mercia Police (@WMerciaPolice) January 8, 2018

Nick Dunn, Managing Director of Aeros Flight Training, led tributes to valued employee Mr Smith.

He said that the accident had “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. 

"The student onboard 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.” 

Mr Smith was also a former member of the Jersey Aero Club. Current members of the group also expressed their sympathies, and shared memories of Mr Smith, who was said to be “the life and soul of any party.”

One mourner described Mr Smith on social media as “a great pilot, great instructor, and a true gent.”

His funeral and cremation service will take place on 2 February. Aeros Academy will remain closed throughout the day so that staff can pay their respects to their esteemed colleague.