Funeral held for RAF pilot killed in Tornado jet crash in Moray Firth

The funeral of an RAF Tornado pilot who was killed in an accident over the Moray Firth earlier this month has been held at RAF Lossiemouth today.

Flight Lieutenant Adam Sanders, 27, was laid to rest at St Aiden’s Church on the Moray base at 12noon.

He was one of three airmen who died when two Tornado GR4’s crashed into the sea south of Wick on Friday, July 3. Flight Lieutenant Hywel Poole, 28, and Squadron Leader Samuel Bailey, 26, also died while a fourth crew member was seriously injured and continues to recover in hospital.

Adam Sanders was educated at Scarisbrick Hall School in Lancashire before joining the RAF where he demonstrated exceptional talent on fast jets.

He became an instructor on the Hawk T1 aircraft before arriving at RAF Lossiemouth to undertake an Operational Conversion Course on the Tornado GR4 with XV(Reserve) Squadron.

Flt Lt Sanders continued to demonstrate a “real enthusiasm” towards flying the GR4, impressing his superiors and colleagues alike with his commitment to the squadron. XV Squadron CO, Wing Commander Jonathan Moreton, said: “He was a well-liked, hardworking and enthusiastic individual.

“I’m sure that the loss of this capable and much-admired pilot will be keenly felt by all on my squadron and the Royal Air Force community at large.”

RAF Lossiemouth's station commander, Group Captain Ian Gale, paid further tribute to the airman. He said: “Adam Sanders was a talented pilot, a promising officer and a wonderful human being.

"He did very well on his course here at XV Squadron and was greatly looking forward to going to 617 Squadron towards the end of this year.”

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