Tributes to airmen killed in Afghanistan chopper crash

RAF Puma helicopter, similar to the UK Puma Mk 2 helicopter which crashed in Afghanistan. Picture: PA

Flight Lieutenants Alan Scott and Geraint “Roly” Roberts died after a Puma Mk 2 helicopter crashed while landing at Nato’s Resolute Support mission headquarters in Kabul.

Group Captain Simon Paterson, station commander at RAF Benson, said the men were “two of our most capable and dedicated colleagues and friends”.

Flight Lieutenant Scott, from London, was 32, and Flight Lieutenant Roberts, from North Wales, was 44.

They were among five people killed, while five others were injured.

The MoD insisted Sunday’s crash was an “accident”, while an Afghan security guard said the aircraft appeared to strike an observational balloon as it landed.

Both officers were members of the Puma helicopter force based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.

Captain Paterson said: “Today we mourn the loss of two of our most capable and dedicated colleagues and friends, both of whom were exceptional men who made a massive impact on the Puma force and, indeed, the station.”

A tribute from Flight Lieutenant Scott’s family said: “There are no words and no justice. Yesterday my wonderful, beloved husband Alan Scott was killed in a helicopter crash in Kabul.

“My heart is broken at the fact that such a vivacious, young and amazing person can be taken so cruelly and suddenly.

“Nothing I can say here - or anywhere else - could ever do justice to the thoroughly excellent man I’m proud to call my husband. Rest in peace, my love.”

Flight Lieutenant Scott - known as “Scotty” - was described by his commanding officer, Wing Commander Mark Biggadike, as “one of the most dependable and intelligent officers I have had the pleasure of working with”.

Flight Lieutenant Roberts was married with two children and had served in Bosnia, the Falkland Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.