TRIBUTES have been paid to a pilot who died after his light aircraft plunged from the sky and crashed into a field.
Nicholas Denison-Pender, 50, from Perthshire, was killed instantly after the horror smash shortly after he took off at 11.40am on Monday.
Andrew BarrPolice investigate scene of plane crash in Fife on Monday[/caption]
Police ScotlandNicholas Denison-Pender was the pilot who passed away in the light aircraft crash at Fife airport[/caption]
Emergency crews raced to the scene near the Fife Airport runway – around three miles west of Glenrothes – but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Northumbria University graduate, Mr Denison-Pender was the chief operating officer of SBD Automotive, an international engineering consultancy firm.
Andrew Hart, the company’s CEO, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, Nicholas Denison-Pender.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Although Nick had only been at SBD Automotive for a few months, he brought an inspiring balance of passion, kindness, and intelligence that made a lasting impact on all who spent time with him.”
He joined the company this year having worked at a senior level in business for more than 15 years across Europe, the US, India and Africa.
He was described as enjoying the great outdoors with his family, fishing and “pursuing his passion as a private pilot”.
Last night, police urged anyone with information about the crash to get in touch.
Detective Inspector Samantha Davidson said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Nicholas as they come to terms with their loss.
“An investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing and we would ask for anyone with information, to please come forward.”
We told how stunned locals watched the aircraft make “strange manoeuvres” before it spiralled into a field.
In the nearby Kinglassie village, a devastated local told the Scottish Sun: “There was a loud bang and two guys who had been painting the pavilion at the football pitch ran up to see what was going on.
“It’s just terrible, it took off from just over the hill at the airport, how frightening it would be to witness that.”
Aerial images showed the wreckage covered by tarpaulin.
The plane wreckage after light aircraft went down near airportAndrew Barr
FacebookThe 50-year-old, from Perthshire was pronounced dead at the scene[/caption]
Nearby Kinglassie Miners Welfare and Bowling Club was closed for the day and used as a support hub for emergency services.
And the Air Accidents Investigation Branch sent a team to probe the crash.
They said: “An investigation has begun into an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred near Fife Airport on December 23, 2024.
“A team of inspectors are travelling to the accident site to make enquiries and gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a safety investigation.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference 1136 of December 23, 2024.