KENNETH THOMPSONFlight Lieutenant Kenneth Thompson of 43 Squadron, RAF Leuchars was killed along with his colleague Flight Lieutenant Nigel Morton when their Tornado aircraft crashed on 2 July, 2009.The crash happened during a routine training flight at Glen Kinglas in Argyll, Scotland, prompting an RAF inquiry.Pilot Flight Lieutenant Thompson, aged 27, was from the Glasgow area.His family said: "Kenneth is from a military family background. He was passionate about his career in the RAF, his flying and 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. Our thoughts are also with the family of his navigator, friend and colleague at this most difficult time for us all."Air Commodore R J Atkinson, commanding officer at Royal Air Force Leuchars said: "Flight Lieutenant Kenny Thompson was a bright and effervescent young man with a zest for life. I shall remember him for his constant smile and inspirational attitude that brought much happiness to all; he will be dearly missed by all who have known him. My thoughts are with his family."Wing Commander David Hazell, Officer Commanding 43(Fighter) Squadron, said: “43(Fighter) Squadron has been stunned and saddened by the tragic deaths of Flight Lieutenants Kenny Thompson and Nigel Morton."Kenny was a young pilot with an extremely bright future ahead of him. He was enthusiastic about everything in life; in particular he had an enormous thirst for flying. His character was defined by his tremendous and infectious enthusiasm. Kenny was a very popular member of the Squadron.”"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."Squadron Leader Wayne Smith, Kenny and Nige's Flight Commander on 43(Fighter) Squadron said: "Kenny was the epitome of a fighter pilot and at the heart of 43(Fighter) Squadron. He had a close association with the Squadron long before becoming one of its pilots, during his university days. No-one was more enthusiastic, professional and committed to flying than he. His great attitude was contagious."Flying was what defined Kenny and when he wasn’t in a Tornado F3 he would be flying his own aircraft around Scotland. Trips to Tiree with Kenny in his plane were the talk of the Summer at Leuchars. It is with some consolation that his Squadron friends know that he died doing what he enjoyed the most; flying a fast jet on a beautiful Summer's day in the West of Scotland. Kenny will be sorely missed."The Squadron and anyone who ever met Kenny will always remember his humour, professionalism and dedication to flying, which was never a job but a way of life to him."
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