Flt Lt Kenneth Thompson (27) and 43-year-old and Flt Lt Nigel Morton were killed in the accident on Thursday afternoon.

The aircraft from 43 Squadron at Leuchars had been on a training flight with another Tornado at the time.

Paying tribute to the pilot and navigator, Wing Commander David Hazell, commanding officer of 43 Squadron, said: "Their deaths are a huge loss to the squadron and the Tornado F3 Force as a whole.

"However, it is nothing compared to that suffered by their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this dreadful time."

Pilot Flt Lt Thompson was from the Glasgow area, while Weapon Systems Officer Flt Lt Morton was from Fife.

In a statement, Flt Lt Thompson's family said that he was passionate about his career in the RAF and that he loved life.

"We, the family have lost our son and brother, but take some comfort from the fact that he died doing what he loved - flying," they said.

Flt Lt Morton's family paid tribute to a "beloved father and husband, son, brother and son-in-law" who was respected by all who worked with him.

North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell said: "This tragic accident is yet another reminder of the risks which our service men and women have to face every day."


Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said he was deeply saddened to hear of the deaths.

He added: "A thorough investigation is under way to establish the cause of the incident.

"I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the families of the two aircrew as they face this shocking loss."

The plane came down close to the Rest And Be Thankful tourist spot near the village of Arrochar on the A83, west of Loch Lomond.