The family of aerobatic pilot David Jenkins, who died when his aircraft plunged to the ground during a press day for the Old Buckenham Airshow, have described him as “amongst the very best of men”.

East Anglian Daily Times: David JenkinsDavid Jenkins (Image: Archant)

Mr Jenkins, who was in his 60s, was flying his Edge aircraft as part of the Wildcats Aerobatics team when the tragedy happened on April 22.

In the wake of the crash many tributes were paid to the two-time British Advanced Aerobatics champion by friends in the aviation community, who described him as a “true professional” and “one of the best pilots around”.

In a statement released today his wife Elaine said: “To begin to explain our loss is something that cannot be achieved in so few words.

“David was, put simply, amongst the very best of men.

“Whether it be in his family, professional or aerobatic life, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

“We can only console ourselves with the knowledge that he passed as he would have wished to, lost forever in the immeasurable beauty of the sky.

“As words can do no justice to either David or our pain at losing him, we would instead like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have helped us at this time.

“The police, fire and ambulance services; the Air Accident Investigation Branch; the Wildcat Team and the staff at Old Buckenham airfield have our thanks and appreciation.

“So too do the many people who have expressed their condolences and sent their best wishes.

“The huge volume of support has made it clear just how many peoples’ lives David has affected.

“It is with great sadness that we wish a husband, a father, a son, a brother and a friend fair winds and blue skies.”

Mrs Jenkins also asked that donations be made to the East Anglian Air Ambulance as an alternative to floral tributes.

The crash is being investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Branch.