Crash-death pilot 'had years of experience'

Former RAF man Bruce Hook, 63, and his 26-year-old son Ian were killed on Saturday as they prepared for an air race at the island's San Luis aerodrome.

It is thought the plane had just taken off when it nosedived, crashed and exploded, killing the pair instantly.

Mr Hook senior, from Worcester, was flying his own plane – a Beech Baron 55 in RAF colours – when the accident happened.

Business colleague Stephen Esslemont said: "From what I heard, it took off, nose-dived and crashed 100 metres past the end of the runway and the plane exploded."

Mr Hook owned a village garage in Lapworth in the West Midlands for the past 32 years, where his son also worked.

Mr Esslemont, 44, from Solihull, who rents the garage forecourt, described him as a "kind, considerable and helpful person" and said he was shocked by his death.

"After all the years he's done it you don't expect him to crash. He was a very competent pilot."

The two men are believed to have been preparing for an air race organised by two branches of the Royal Aero Club. They left the UK on Friday to attend the event in Spain.

He was a member of the AWA Flying Group in Coventry, and due to return home to his wife, Brenda Hilvert, on Wednesday.

His son, who lived in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, was unmarried but had a girlfriend, Mr Esslemont said.