Just before 13:00 GMT yesterday a private plane piloted by former President of the Royal Institute of Navigation, Professor David Last, disappeared from radar and impacted the sea approximately two miles off the coast of Wales.

On-going search and rescue efforts have recovered pieces of wreckage and personal effects.

Professor Last was one of the most respected and well-loved figures in the world-wide positioning, navigation, and timing community.

His loss creates a hole that cannot be filled.

David was a close personal friend. Our grieving will not be brief.

BBC report of aircraft crash.