A FORMER pilot and his friend were killed last week after a light aircraft crashed into a Mid Wales mountain.
Steve Carr, 55, from Ruthin, along with Bob Jones, 60, from Welshpool, were killed when their plane came down in the Leighton area of Welshpool last Wednesday (January 19).
Both Mr Jones and Mr Carr were experienced pilots.
Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at about noon.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service sent three engines to the scene and police and the Welsh Ambulance Service were also there.
“This incident involved a light aircraft which has come down on Long Mountain,” said chief inspector Martin Tavener, speaking at the scene of the crash.
“We have now located next of kin and a family liaison officer has been appointed.
“The Air Accident Investigation Branch are en-route to the scene and will take on the investigation from here."
A fire service spokesman said: “Two appliances from Welshpool, one appliance from Llanfair Caereinion and a Land Rover pump from Llanfyllin have attended the incident.
“Two breathing apparatus sets have been in use and a low pressure hose reel jet.”
Speaking last week, farmer Bryan Morris, 38, said the plane crashed into a field around a mile from his house.
“Part of it is in the field and part of it is in the woods so it’s obviously broken up quite a bit,” he said.
“I haven’t been over there myself as I didn’t want to get in the way.
“There’s still a van and a couple of other vehicles over there but that's nothing compared to earlier.”
Mr Morris said he did not see or hear the crash, even though he was outside at the time.
“I was outside in the field and saw some smoke but didn't think anything of it,” he added.
“I just thought someone was having a fire.
“Then two helicopters landed, so I knew then something must have happened.”
* Tributes to a ‘devoted’ dad
THE family of pilot and musician Steve Carr (pictured right) have paid tribute to a ‘devoted and loving’ father, husband, brother and friend.
Mr Carr, an experienced pilot of 25 years, had flown for both the RAF and easyJet, he retired from the low budget airline last year after 10 years, he worked out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
He was also a keen musician and music producer, set up his own recording studio - Red Ball Studios, in a converted barn just outside of Ruthin.
Mrs Carr’s family and friends said they are ‘devastated’ by the news.
“He was loved, and will be missed, so much.
“Words are inadequate to describe his many qualities as a devoted and loving father, husband, brother and friend.
“Our world is immeasurably poorer for the loss.
“His family is in deep mourning, and would like to be left alone to grieve in peace.”
Mr Carr began playing in bands at the age of 15, by 21 he was a member of a semi-pro blues band called Easy Street.
The band recorded and sold their music, and from the profits Mr Carr set up his first recording studio up in Shropshire in 1978.
In 1982, Mr Carr Joined the RAF.
It wasn’t until 25 years later after retiring from the airline business that Mr Carr went back to music, setting up the recording studio in Ruthin, where he helped other musicians ‘achieve their goals once again’.
A spokesman for easyJet said: “Many people at easyJet will be shocked and saddened by the news.
“Steve was an experienced pilot who flew for easyJet for 10 years and retired last year.
“He was based in Liverpool where he was a very well liked and valued member of the team.
“Our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.”