UPDATE: Pilot killed in Shoreham air crash named

A PILOT who died following a mid-air collision over Shoreham yesterday (July 4) has been named.

Alan Weal, 63, of Arlington Avenue, Goring, was killed after guiding his stricken plane onto the Adur Recreation Ground, narrowly missing a children’s playground, where it burst into flames.

In a statement, his family said: “Alan was a captain for British Airways for many years, heo flew all over the world and lived life to the full. He loved aeroplanes and when he retired from BA, he built his own light aircraft.

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“His extensive flying experience helped avert a tragedy greater than that so sharply felt by his family; his mum, wife, two daughters, three grandchildren, and his many friends.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”

The other aeroplane involved in the collision, at about 4.30pm, managed to land safely at Shoreham Airport, and its two passengers emerged shaken, but unjured.

* For the full story, see this week’s Shoreham Herald, on sale Thursday.