TRIBUTE has been paid to the head of a Falmouth marine business who died after his plane crashed at Newquay Airport on Monday evening.

The pilot of the light aircraft which crashed while heading in to land has been identified locally as 68-year-old Tony Richards, owner of Sub Marine Services which is based in Falmouth Docks.

Police reported on Tuesday that a local man was the sole occupant of the aircraft, which was inbound from London and making an approach when it crashed on land “off the runway”.

Police, ambulance and fire service personnel were sent to the crash at around 7.30pm, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

Paul Wickes, head of Cornwall Marine Network, of which Sub Marine Services is a member, described Mr Richards as “a lovely guy”.

He said: “I first met Tony when Sub Marine Services joined Cornwall Marine Network eight years ago.

“It is his expertise and knowledge that has driven an expansion of their business that now sees them providing a wide range of services within their sector.

“He was hugely respected and the thoughts of all of Cornwall Marine Network are with Tony’s family and work colleagues at such a tragic and difficult time.”

Mr Richards was the managing director of Sub Marine Services, which was founded in 1980 as an underwater engineering, repair and maintenance company but has grown under his management to cover areas such as in-water video survey, sea transport, moorings supply and installation, marine construction work, dredging and piling.

Mr Wickes said Mr Richards and the company were also part of a new sub group leading the way with marine energy off the coast of Cornwall.

A spokesperson for the Newquay Airport said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the pilot at this very difficult time.”

The twin-engined light aircraft remains in situ pending an investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Branch, which has confirmed it has sent a team to the site.

Newquay Airport was closed overnight, with flights diverted to Exeter, but has now fully re-opened and is operating as normal.