Member of Coventry flying club killed in Spanish air race

[dutchman]

A pilot and his son have been killed in a light aircraft accident in Spain.

Bruce Hook, from Worcester, and his son Ian, 25, died as they were preparing to take part in an air race on the island of Menorca, the BBC has learnt.

The 63-year-old, who ran a car garage in Lapworth, Warwickshire, was a member of the AWA Flying Group at Baginton Airport, Coventry, his colleagues said.

It is not known what caused the accident on Saturday and aviation officials in Spain are investigating.

Reports said their aircraft had just taken off at the island's San Luis Aerodrome when it crashed and exploded.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed two British nationals died in the crash and said it was offering consular assistance.

Mr Hook, a father-of-two, had owned the Willpower Garage in Lapworth for more than 20 years. His son also worked at the garage.

Friends and colleagues said he was a keen pilot who had taken part in the competition in Spain several times before.

One friend described him as "an airman to his fingertips".

"He was a devoted family man and it's particularly poignant that he dies with his son by his side," he added.

"When he was in the cockpit, he was a thorough professional."

Another friend, Vida Clayton, who lives in Lapworth, said: "Bruce was such a lovely, lovely person... it's just awful news.

"What a tragedy... a young son to go just like that. It's just so sad."