A grieving family told how Ronald Sayer, who was killed in the Luton plane crash, was passionate about flying.

Father-of-two Mr Sayer, 50, of Grangeway, Thundersley, died instantly in the horrific crash at Luton airport on Saturday.

He was one of three men killed when their light aircraft ploughed into an empty cargo plane parked up near the runway.

His distraught wife, Hazel, said: "Airplanes were his life. Most of his friends were pilots and they have been wonderful to the family. We just can't believe it. Ronald was probably the most liked and loved person you could meet.

"One friend described him as a man who would rather walk around an ant rather than tread on it. We do not know anyone who did not like him - at his company, his flying group, even his clients from all over the world have passed on their condolences. Flying was not just a hobby, it was part of his life."

Mr Sayer, who had two sons, Jonathon, 22, and Robin, 18, was a member of Rochford Hundred Flying Group and worked as an aviation insurance broker for city firm Willis Corroon Aerospace.

He started flying in 1968 and got his private pilot's licence when he lived in South Africa.

His mother, Thora Sayer, of Parkanaur Avenue, Thorpe Bay, said: "He was always a very helpful and loving son. I had another son who died when he was nearly seven so Ron had really been my only son right through.

"He has always been passionately fond of flying, especially in small planes, and has been doing it all his adult life. I just can't believe it.

"He has been flying all those years and had never flown from Luton before."

Mr Sayer was a passenger in the rear of the aircraft and was killed instantly when the accident happened at around 10am on Saturday.

His family have been told the aircraft did not crash on landing, as originally believed, but was caught by a freak gust of wind as it prepared for take-off.

Airmen Richard Warner, 43, of Tavistock Avenue, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, and Kevin Tobin, 52, of St Alban's also perished in the crash.

Mr Sayer's funeral will be held next Tuesday at Southend Crematorium. Any donations should go to Cancer Research - a charity he always supported.

Fondly remembered - Ronald Sayer with his wife Hazel

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