British pilot killed in Dubai plane crash is named

William Blackburn worked for a company doing repairs on a runway navigation system

William Blackburn, right, died in the plane crash in Dubai. William Blackburn Facebook

A British pilot described as a “beautiful soul” has been named as one of the four people killed when a light aircraft crashed near Dubai International Airport last week.

William Blackburn’s family said flying was the 26-year-old’s passion, and his death was a tragedy they must learn to live with.

"He was a lovely caring person that we were blessed with, and people who didn't know him wished they did,” his family told BBC News.

"He was amazing and will be truly be missed by us all."

Mr Blackburn worked as a first officer for Flight Calibration Services, a UK company which inspects and calibrates navigation aids like radars and landing systems for airports around the world.

Navigation systems at one of Dubai International Airport's two runways are undergoing repairs and the company was hired by US engineering company Honeywell to carry out work.

Three Flight Calibration Services and one Honeywell employee died when the Diamond DA42 aircraft crashed near Mushrif Park at around 7.30pm.

A spokesman for Flight Calibration Services said: "We are shocked and saddened beyond words by the loss of three colleagues and a Honeywell employee in Dubai.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. We are working closely with the accident investigation authorities and as yet there is no news as to how this tragic accident happened."

The incident closed Dubai International Airport for about an hour, with several flights delayed or cancelled as a result.