Pictured: Pilot who died after replica Spitfire plane crash in Cotswolds field – as family pay tribute to ‘amazing husband, brother and dad’
- Trevor Bailey, 68, died while flying the WWII fighter near Chipping Norton
- Pilot always ‘lived life to the full’ and had an ‘infectious grin’, family say
The family of a pilot who died in a replica Spitfire crash has paid tribute to an ‘amazing husband, brother, dad, grandad and friend’.
Trevor Bailey, 68, died flying the World War Two fighter off the A44 near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
Mr Bailey, from Cheltenham, Glos, was tragically killed following the incident and was formally identified on Tuesday.
His family and wife Kate paid tribute to him and his ‘infectious grin’ this afternoon.
Writing in a statement issued by Thames Valley Police, they said: ‘People keep saying ‘the world will be a sadder place without Trevor’.
The family of Trevor Bailey, 68, who died in a plane crash in the Cotswolds, has paid tribute to an ‘amazing husband, brother, dad, grandad and friend’.
Mr Bailey died while flying a replica World War Two Spitfire fighter which crashed into a field near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
‘He really was the very best person you could ever hope to meet.
‘That deep voice, the infectious grin and his real interest in whoever he was talking to, he made everyone feel special.
‘His love of life, and of his family and his huge amounts of energy meant that life was never dull.
‘Every day was full and nothing was ever too much trouble; from looking after his eight grandchildren to supporting complete strangers when acting as an NHS responder and food delivery man during Covid lockdowns.
‘Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same.
‘We had the most amazing childhood with you Dad, full of adventures.
‘You always made us feel loved and safe, the warmth of your hugs and a smile that lights up any room.
‘Your legacy will live in our hearts and your incredible grandchildren who we know you were so proud of and we have always been so proud of you. Our Hero’.
Mr Bailey was a frequent flyer and said he went on trips monthly, but also admitted that flying Spitfires could be challenging (file photo)
Kate praised him as her soul mate, and kindred adventurous spirit.
She said said: ‘We shared a love of travel and of so many activities including sailing, flying, dog walking and playing tennis.
‘Together we have always had such a wonderful group of friends. From our close group of local friends to ex work colleagues, fellow travellers and those we met through the many charities we were involved in together.
Trevor leaves behind four children and eight grandchildren, and was the eldest of three brothers.
The pilot was a frequent-flyer, saying in an interview conducted in 2018 that he flew on a monthly basis – but admitting that flying Spitfires could be a ‘challenge’.
His brother Steve, said: ‘He always followed his passions and lived life to the full. I was so proud of him and always looked up to him.
‘I knew he always had my back as a young child to adult and will miss him so much.’
Thames Valley Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate the incident last month
His other brother, Clive, added: ‘We have lost an amazing husband, brother, Dad, Grandad and friend. No one knows what is on the other side but one thing is for sure, it’s just got a whole lot better.
‘His working life was split between a long and successful career in Financial Services both in the UK and Overseas. Then latterly working in the world of Aviation.
‘His passion for flying stemmed from a childhood building model aeroplanes, and, as a qualified pilot, he always felt very fortunate that he was able to spend the latter part of his career working in the aviation industry.’
Thames Valley Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch continue to investigate the crash last month, near the village of Enstone, Oxfordshire.
Anyone able to provide information, footage or photographs should contact Thames Valley Police either online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1358.
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