Pilot who died in hot air balloon crash is pictured
A pilot who died after his hot air balloon caught fire above a Worcestershire village has been pictured.
Peter Gregory was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident early on Sunday morning near Ombersley.
Tributes have been paid to the 25-year-old who was ‘doing what he loved’ in his final hours.
In a statement released by West Mercia Police, his family said: ‘Peter Gregory, 25 years of living life to the full.
‘On the morning of Sunday, June 25, our Pilot Pete took one last flight, doing what he loved.
‘Be it in a hot air balloon or as an airline pilot, Peter’s passion for flying was something his family and friends could only admire and support him towards.
‘When he set his heart to something, he’d never give up, he was driven and determined, and one could only watch on in awe.
‘We will fly together again soon Pete. We love you, Dan, Mummy, Daddy and Emma.’
According to his LinkedIn profile, Peter lost his first first flying job, as a first officer for Flybe Airline, and started doing deliveries for Boots UK during the pandemic.
A recent post read: ‘Not wanting to keep my feet on the ground for too long, I began flying hot air balloons commercially, gaining invaluable experience and ratings on all sizes of balloons.
‘I built my own balloon and was able to concentrate on competitions.
‘Now ranked second in the UK, and finishing 18th out of 105 competitors at the World Championships last year.’
Peter’s death is being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Witnesses said they saw a fireball coming from the craft before it ‘dropped like a stone’ on to some trees.
Emergency services attended Holt Fleet Road in Ombersley after receiving a call that a hot air balloon had fallen to the ground.
The British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) said it was aware of the incident.
‘The AAIB have been informed and supported by the BBAC, will be investigating the circumstances,’ a statement said.
‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this time.’
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