The pilot killed in an horrific helicopter crash in London was a former Yorkshire Air Ambulance captain whose stunt flying had featured in a Bond film.
Captain Peter Barnes, 50, died when his craft spun out of control and crash-landed after clipping a crane on top of a building.
The chopper fell from the sky before exploding into flames and plunging to the ground near Vauxhall station, killing one other person, who had not yet been named last night.
Six others were taken to hospital for injuries including a broken leg and paramedics treated seven more casualties at the scene.
Former Yorkshire Air Ambulance colleagues of Captain Barnes yesterday (Jan 16) paid tribute to the skilled pilot, whose lifesaving work as a crew member spanned the entire region.
He flew out of Leeds Bradford International Airport to reach injured people in incidents such as road accidents and airlift them for emergency treatment, often landing on the roof of Leeds General Infirmary.
A spokeswoman said: “We are saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Captain Peter Barnes.
“Captain Barnes had previously flown with YAA as one of our pilots a few years ago and was very well respected.
“Out thoughts and sincere sympathy are with his family and the families of those involved in the tragedy.”
Captain Barnes also flew the Great North Air Ambulance until about four years ago.
Operations director Kevin Hodgson said: “Pete was as good a guy as you can imagine and one of the best pilots I’ve ever had the pleasure of flying with. Over the years he will have flown on dozens of missions, no doubt saving lives along the way.”
Captain Barnes, who was born in Nottingham and lived near Reading, logged more than 10,500 flying hours in his 25-year career and had worked as a stunt pilot on blockbusters including the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day, Saving Private Ryan and Tomb Raider II.
His TV filming credits included the 2012 London Olympics, 2004 Athens Games and the popular BBC show Coast.
Captain Barnes was flying an Agusta 109 eight-seater aircraft leased to Surrey-based charter flight firm RotorMotion when tragedy struck around 8am. He had been making a scheduled commercial flight to Elstree, Hertfordshire, when he tried to divert due to bad weather.
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