BRITISH AIRPORT OWNER TONY HALL, 42, KILLED IN SWISS ALPS PLANE CRASH ALONGSIDE BUSINESSMAN PAL

A British airport owner and businessman has been identified as one of three people killed when a small aircraft crashed into a mountain in the Swiss Alps.

Anthony “Tony” Hall, 42, died when the Cirrus SR22T he was travelling in crashed into a northern mountain slope near the resort town of Leukerbad in Switzerland on September 15.

His death was confirmed days after the crash, with his family describing him as a “truly wonderful husband” and an “incredible dad.”

AIRPORT OWNER AMONG THREE KILLED

The aircraft had departed from Sion Airport in the Rhône Valley and crashed into the mountain roughly 10 minutes later.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters and rescue teams, were dispatched to the remote crash site, supported by three helicopters.

All three people aboard the aircraft were killed.

Swiss authorities have not publicly established what caused the plane to crash. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, while Swiss authorities are also conducting a criminal investigation.

Another British victim was previously identified as Owain Davies, 55, a businessman and managing director of Welsh engineering company Amcanu.

The identity of the third victim has not been publicly disclosed in the reports reviewed.

‘AN INCREDIBLE DAD’

Tony Hall’s family said they were devastated by his sudden death.

In a statement, they described him as an exceptional businessman whose commitment to his work never faltered.

But they said that beyond his professional achievements, Tony was first and foremost devoted to his family.

“He was first and foremost a loving husband and an incredible dad to his daughter, whose family meant everything to him.”

The family added that they would remember him as a kind, caring, generous and determined man.

They also expressed their gratitude for the support shown to them following the tragedy and asked for privacy as they grieve.

HE OWNED A UK AIRPORT

Tony Hall was the owner of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in Staffordshire, which he acquired in 2023.

He was also managing director of Pegasus, a construction and recycling company based near Stourbridge in the West Midlands.

The airport paid tribute to its owner, saying he had invested enormous amounts of time, energy and passion into its future.

According to the airport, Hall had a clear ambition to transform the site into a leading general aviation hub.

Together with his co-owner, he helped develop the airport and strengthen its role within the local and wider aviation community.

‘ONE OF THE VERY BEST’

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb, who knew Hall personally, also paid tribute to him.

She described him as “one of the very best”, remembering both his business achievements and his personality.

Webb said Hall had played an important role in building Pegasus into a successful business and also contributed to the local community.

She highlighted his support for causes including the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade, noting that he had previously served in the armed forces.

Pegasus also described Hall as a much-loved husband, father, friend and colleague.

The company said he had built a strong team and a business he was extremely proud of.

CRASH INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The September 15 crash happened in the Fluhalp area near Leukerbad, a popular Alpine destination known for its mountain scenery and outdoor tourism.

Witnesses reported seeing significant smoke rising from the crash area before emergency services arrived.

Investigators have not yet announced a definitive explanation for why the aircraft struck the mountain.

The STSB investigation, alongside inquiries by Swiss police and the Office of the Attorney General, is expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Meanwhile, Tony Hall’s family continues to mourn a husband, father and businessman whose life was cut short at the age of just 42.

For those who knew him, the tragedy is being remembered not only as the loss of a successful entrepreneur, but as the sudden death of a much-loved member of his family and community.