More tributes have been paid to the ‘highly experienced, respected and popular’ pilots killed in a plane crash in Chigwell.

First Officer Francis Simmonds and Captain Robert Bull both died at the scene on Saturday (October 3) when their plane crashed into a field, shortly after 10.30am.

Owner and operator of the eight-seater Beechcraft King Air 200, London Executive Aviation (LEA), has released a tribute and photos showing the pilots at work.

Managing director George Galanopoulos said: “Rob and Francis were highly experienced professional pilots and respected, popular members of the LEA team.

“They were both passionate about flight and shared the great people skills that mark out the best charter pilots.

“We are all in shock and deeply saddened by this tragic loss and are doing everything possible to support the families and our other employees at this terribly difficult time.”

Captain Bull, 40, who lived in Hornchurch, joined LEA in June and had flown professionally for seven years.

He was also a flying examiner and a “devoted father to his daughter”, the company said.

Mr Simmonds, aged 46, joined the company in 2005 and initially worked in its operations centre.

He was a “devoted husband and dad to his wife Laura of 11 years and seven-year-old son”, LEA said.

The statement follows family tributes which described both of the men as loving fathers who worked hard to become pilots.

Essex Police is assisting investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Board with enquiries into the crash, which happened shortly after the plane took off from Stapleford Airfield.

Mr Galanopoulos said his company is using its “full resources” to assist in the investigation.