By Craig McManamon

THE TWO RAF Leuchars airmen who died after crashing at high speed into a hillside in Argyll were named by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) last night.

A statement released by the MoD confirmed that Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Thompson (27), from the Glasgow area, and Weapon Systems Officer Flight Lieutenant Nigel Morton (43), from Fife, had been killed during a routine low-level training exercise in Glen Kinglas.

The men, who were part of 43 (Fighter) Squadron, had been carrying out the exercise in a Tornado F3 aircraft along with another Tornado from RAF Leuchars when they came down in a remote area close to the Rest And Be Thankful tourist spot near the village of Arrochar at around 11.45am on Thursday.

In a statement, the family of pilot Flight Lieutenant Thompson spoke of their sudden loss.

It read, “Kenneth is from a military family background. He was passionate about his career in the RAF, his flying, and 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.

“Our thoughts are also with the family of his navigator, friend and colleague at this difficult time for us all.”

In their own statement, the family of Flight Lieutenant Morton wrote, “Beloved father and husband, son, brother and son-in-law. Respected by all who worked with him.

“Our thoughts are with Kenny’s family at this terrible time.”

A number of tributes were paid by high-ranking personnel at the Fife base last night, including from Air Commodore R. J. Atkinson, Air Officer Scotland and Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Leuchars, who spoke warmly of both men.

He said, “Flight Lieutenant Nige Morton was a wonderful, energetic and professional member of our team.

“Constantly enthusiastic and steeped in experience, he has been a highly valued member of his squadron and RAF Leuchars.

“Well known by everyone, Nige will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his wife and son at this desperate time.

“Flight Lieutenant Kenny Thompson was a bright and effervescent young man with a zest for life. I shall remember him for his constant smile and inspirational attitude that brought much happiness to all.

“He will be dearly missed by all who have known him. My thoughts are with his family.”

The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the RAF—nowhere more so than within 43 (Fighter) Squadron itself.

Officer Commanding 43 (Fighter) Squadron, Wing Commander David Hazell, said the deaths had stunned and saddened the entire squadron.

“Kenny was a young pilot with an extremely bright future ahead of him,” he said.

“He was enthusiastic about everything in life— in particular he had an enormous thirst for flying.”

Of Flight Lieutenant Morton he said, “His professionalism and skill were matched only by his generosity of spirit and his commitment to flying.

“Their deaths are a huge loss to the squadron and the Tornado F3 force as a whole. However, it is nothing compared to that suffered by their families.”

Also paying tribute to the men was their Flight Commander, Squadron Leader Wayne Smith.

“Nige was a ‘professional aviator’ in title and this totally defined him,” he said.

“A veteran of operations in Bosnia and Iraq, Nige was a consummate professional, a talented weapon systems officer and a good friend.

“Kenny was the epitome of a fighter pilot and at the heart of 43 (Fighter) Squadron.

“No-one was more enthusiastic, professional and committed to flying than he. His great attitude was contagious. Kenny will be sorely missed.”

Adding his condolences to the grieving families yesterday was defence secretary Bob Ainsworth, who said he was deeply saddened by the deaths.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the families of the two aircrew as they face this shocking loss,” he said.

Investigations into the cause of the accident entered their second day yesterday and marked the arrival of a two-strong team from the Air Accident Investigation Branch, who will assist the RAF.

An RAF service inquiry into the tragedy has begun but it is understood the findings from this may not be known for several months.