THE pilot who died in a plane crash near Dinton on Friday has been named.

RAF test pilot Flight Lieutenant Alexandre Jay Parr, of the Empire Test Pilots School, was killed when the Yak-52 he was flying came down at 10.50am.

The 40-year-old, married father of three lived in Marlborough.

He worked at the Empire Test Pilots School at Boscombe Down.

An MoD spokesman would not confirm if Mr Parr was piloting the aircraft. He was based at RAF Boscombe Down.

Group Captain Tom Lyons, the Air Warfare Centre Chief Test Pilot, said: “It was an honour to serve with Alex.

"His contribution as a pilot and Royal Air Force Officer to the service in general and MOD Boscombe Down in particular was huge and greatly appreciated.

"Alex was a gifted test pilot and his easy approachability made him a natural at instruction.

"He was a very popular member of ETPS and we are deeply saddened by the loss of our close friend and colleague.

"This tragic accident will be felt by all who knew Alex: a kind, loving, talented friend.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time, to whom I offer my most sincere condolences.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, who served with Alex, said: “Alex Parr was an outstanding husband, father, Royal Air Force officer, pilot, test-pilot and friend.

"Clever, witty and warm he will be missed by many. A tragedy.”

Friends took to Facebook to pay tribute to the former RAF downhill ski racer.

Steve Caryer said: "Alexandre Jay Parr you will be greatly missed as a friend and colleague, ETPS won't be the same. Our thoughts are with Alice and your three young children, so sad."

Angela Westbrook said: "Gutted....understatement.......why are such young, lovely people taken so suddenly and so young. RIP Alexandre Jay Parr. Top bloke, top colleague, lovely man. Thoughts are with friends and close family at this dark time."

The light aircraft came down in a field near the village with two men on board.

One man, now known to be Flight Lieutenant Parr, was pronounced dead at the scene while a second man was cut free from the wreckage with a leg injury, South West Ambulance Service confirmed.

It is understood the bright yellow and blue, civilian Yak-52 light aircraft was headed to Boscombe Down after taking off at around 10.15am.

The survivor was flown to Salisbury District Hospital via air ambulance.

An investigation has been launched.