Flight Lieutenant Nigel Morton of 43 Squadron, RAF Leuchars was killed along with his colleague Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Thompson when their Tornado aircraft crashed on 2 July, 2009.

The crash happened during a routine training flight at Glen Kinglas in Argyll, Scotland, prompting an RAF inquiry.

Weapon Systems Officer Flight Lieutenant Morton, 43, was from Fife.

His family said: "Beloved father and husband, son, brother and son-in-law. Respected by all who worked with him. Our thoughts are with Kenny's family at this terrible time."

Air Commodore R J Atkinson, commanding officer at Royal Air Force Leuchars said: "Flight Lieutenant Nige Morton was a wonderful energetic and professional member of our team. Constantly enthusiastic and steeped in experience he has been a highly valued member of his Squadron and RAF Leuchars. Well known by everyone, Nige will be sorely missed; my thoughts are with his wife and son at this desperate time."

Wing Commander David Hazell, Officer Commanding 43(Fighter) Squadron, said: “43(Fighter) Squadron has been stunned and saddened by the tragic deaths of Flight Lieutenants Kenny Thompson and Nigel Morton.

"Nige was one of the most experienced navigators on the Tornado F3 Force with nearly 3000 hours on the aircraft. His professionalism and skill were matched only by his generosity of spirit and his commitment to flying. Nige was greatly respected throughout the fast jet community. He set the highest standards putting his heart and soul into everything he did."

Squadron Leader Wayne Smith, Kenny and Nige's Flight Commander on 43(Fighter) Squadron said:"Nige was a 'Professional Aviator' in title and this totally defined him. A veteran of operations in Bosnia and Iraq, Nige was a consummate professional, a talented Weapon Systems Officer and a good friend. He was pivotal to Squadron flying operations. He single-handedly ran the flying programme and manning.

"He was a superb instructor, supervisor and font of technical knowledge. Nige was so approachable, which made him such a great man on the Tornado F3 Force. I will miss Nige tremendously, not just in Squadron daily life, but also in his other love on the golf course. Our thoughts are with his wife and son at this terribly sad time.”