Airbus has launched an investigation into whether some staff members breached strict regulations by taking pictures of a fatal air crash in which a Chester couple lost their lives.

Pilot Gary Vickers, 58, and his girlfriend Kaye Clarke, 42 were on their way back from Paris when their twin-engine plane crashed as they attempted to land at Hawarden Airport on Friday.

Mr Vickers, who co-owned the Mill Hotel in Chester with his father Gordon, was killed instantly while Miss Clarke died later at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Gary Vickers and partner Kaye Clarke who were killed in a plane crash at Hawarden Airport
Gary Vickers and partner Kaye Clarke who were killed in a plane crash at Hawarden Airport

Pictures have emerged of the light aircraft nose-diving on to the runway before smashing into pieces.

And The Chronicle has since learned that an investigation is currently under way into the unauthorised use of cameras on the site.

An Airbus spokesperson said: “Clearly, individual personnel matters are not something we can comment on publicly, but I can confirm there is an investigation taking place into the unauthorised use of photography, which is not allowed without permission on a number of grounds, including commercial confidentiality.

“This prohibition covers anybody working on the site. We can’t comment on individual personnel issues or the outcome of those investigations - these are confidential matters but we obviously extend our condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.”

This week, inquests into the couple’s deaths were opened and adjourned, with post-mortem examinations provisionally establishing that Mr Vickers succumbed to head and chest injuries, while Miss Clarke died of shock and haemorrhage.

The inquests are now subject to ‘extensive investigations’.

Family pay tribute to devoted couple

A Chester couple killed when their plane crashed in Flintshire last week were ‘completely devoted to each other’, say their devastated family.

Pilot Gary Vickers, 58, and his girlfriend Kay Clarke, 42 had been on their way back from Paris when their twin-engine plane crashed to the ground as they attempted to land at Hawarden Airport on Friday.

The light aircraft was seen nose-diving on to the runway before smashing into pieces.

Mr Vickers, who co-owned The Mill Hotel in Chester with his father Gordon, was killed instantly while Miss Clarke died hours later at The Countess of Chester Hospital.

The pair, who had been together for six years and lived together at Dingle Bank in Curzon Park, flew to Paris regularly as Mr Vickers was an experienced pilot who had ‘hundreds of hours’ of flying experience .

This week, Miss Clarke’s heartbroken mother Angela told The Chronicle there was ‘no doubt’ in her mind the tragedy was down to a mechanical fault.

“Kay and Gary absolutely idolised each other,” she said.

“He was a fantastic pilot and very experienced. We never had any doubts about our daughter going up there with him because he was so professional .

“The fact they were together when it happened is a great comfort to me because they were just devoted to each other.”

The couple had originally planned to make the return flight to Hawarden on Thursday but Miss Clarke phoned her parents to tell them they had been delayed by stormy weather.

When she didn’t call them on Friday after landing, they began to worry and later heard a light aircraft had crashed nearby.

The deaths have left them devastated and in shock. “Kay was our world and I just count myself so lucky to have had 42 years as her mother,” said Angela.

“She was kind and loved animals – she doted on her dog, who we will now be taking in. As for Gary, he was just a true gent, we loved him and he was part of our family.

“He was just a wonderful person, they were both so wonderful and we can’t comprehend how this has happened.”

Mr Vickers, who has two children from a previous marriage, met Miss Clarke some years ago when she was dining at his hotel.

He and his father Gordon were well known in Chester since taking over The Mill in 1987.

Shortly after the tragedy, Gordon, 84, released a statement saying: “The accident with my son has been a great loss and we extend our condolences to Kay's family.

“We’d like to thank everybody who has sent their condolences.

“Gary was without doubt a very accomplished pilot and very meticulous in his approach to flying.

“We both started flying about 15 years ago and Gary went on to obtain a commercial twin engine rated licence, purchasing the Cessna Twin which he has flown all over Europe. He also decided to obtain a commercial helicopter licence which proves his ability as a pilot.

“On the pictures I have seen of the accident, it is my opinion it was caused through one engine having a malfunction on landing, not pilot error.”

Mr Vickers added: “Gary always loved sports. He was one of the best players in the Cheshire Squash League and was a keen snow skiing guide in Andorra and France.

“But his passion was flying and sadly there’s always a risk.

“It is very sad that two lives have ended this way; we would like to thank the emergency services at Hawarden for their prompt attendance.”

Inquests into the couple’s deaths were opened on Tuesday and post-mortem examinations provisionally established that Mr Vickers died of head and chest injuries, while Miss Clarke died later of shock and haemorrhage.

Both inquests were adjourned, subject to ‘extensive investigations’.