'Gifted' pilot killed performing stunts for festival crowd

A PILOT who died in an air crash in West Yorkshire was a talented and highly experienced airline and stunt flyer, it emerged last night.

Families watch as aerobatics end in tragedy

Chris Penistone, a pilot with Yorkshire airline Jet2, was also an instructor with Sherburn Aero Club, near Leeds.

The 31-year-old was killed on Saturday afternoon as he performed aerobatic stunts at a community event near Leeds.

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He was at the controls of a single-seater aircraft which came down in a field next to the river Aire between Castleford and Methley.

It is understood that his parents were among those watching his stunt flying, which was part of the Methley Boat Festival.

A photographer who saw his final stunt said the plane went into a dive during a stunt but it appeared there was not enough height for the pilot to pull up in time.

Last night a friend of Mr Penistone, who lived in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, described him as an "absolutely top bloke" and a gifted pilot.

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He said: "He was a great guy, down to earth and friendly, with no enemies. He put a smile on everybody's face. You could not meet a nicer guy."

The friend, also a pilot, said it was too early to say whether pilot error or a fault with the aircraft had caused the crash.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the emergency services were called to the scene at about 4.10pm on Saturday. Paramedics confirmed that the pilot had died at the scene.

A spokesman for Jet2 said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this tragic accident. Not only was First Officer Chris Penistone a highly valued pilot, but he was also an incredibly popular member of the team."