Tributes paid at RAF Lossiemouth service for Tornado pilot who died in Moray Firth crash

A service was held at RAF Lossiemouth for Flight Lieutenant Adam Sanders, 27, one of three men from the base to have died in the tragedy on 3 July.

The sole survivor remains in hospital after undergoing a specialist spinal operation.

The private funeral service for Flt lt Sanders, who grew up in Lancashire, was held at St Aidans Church within the Lossiemouth base.

His station commander, Group Captain Ian Gale said: “Adam was a very good pilot and had a promising future.

“He was doing very well with his operation conversion course and he expected to join 617 Squadron Dambusters upon completion.

“He was a thoroughly nice young man well thought of by all his friends and colleagues, and will be very much missed.”

Moray MP Angus Robertson, the SNP’s defence spokesman, added: “My thoughts and condolences are with the family of Flt Lt Sanders at this sad time. Everyone in Moray has a connection with the RAF and this tragedy has been felt by the whole community.”

The £40million Tornado GR4 planes from XV (Reserve) Squadron at the Lossiemouth base crashed into the sea 25 miles south of Wick, Caithness, on 3 July.

The bodies of Flt Lt Sanders and colleague Squadron Leader Samuel Bailey were recovered from the crash scene two weeks after the tragedy.

Two others were airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where sadly Flt Lt Hywel Poole later died. His funeral service was held last week in his home town of Bangor, Wales.

The sole survivor has not been named, but is understood to be in a stable condition after surgery