BRITISH AIRPORT OWNER KILLED IN SWISS ALPS PLANE CRASH AS FAMILY PAYS TRIBUTE TO ‘INCREDIBLE DAD’

A British airport owner and businessman has been killed in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps, leaving his family “completely heartbroken” and a community mourning the loss of a much-loved father.

Anthony “Tony” Hall, 42, was one of three people killed when a small Cirrus SR22T crashed into a mountain slope near the Swiss resort town of Leukerbad on September 15, 2026.

Tony was the owner of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in Staffordshire and managing director of construction and recycling company Pegasus.

His family described him as an “incredible dad” and a “truly wonderful husband.”

PLANE CRASHED MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF

The aircraft had departed from Sion Airport in Switzerland’s Rhône Valley.

Authorities said the plane crashed into a mountain slope roughly 10 minutes after takeoff. The reason why it came down remains unknown.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke and fire in the mountainous area.

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

All three people aboard the aircraft died.

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board has opened an investigation into the crash, while Swiss authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

TONY HALL REMEMBERED AS A DEVOTED FATHER

Tony’s family released an emotional tribute following his death.

They said they were “completely heartbroken” by the loss of a man who was not only a successful businessman but also a devoted husband and father.

“Tony was an exceptional businessman who achieved great things in the construction/haulage industry,” his family said.

But they emphasized that his family was always at the centre of his life.

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

They added that Tony would be remembered as kind, caring, generous and determined.

The family also expressed gratitude for the support they had received following the crash and asked for privacy as they grieved.

HE HAD BUILT A NEW FUTURE FOR THE AIRPORT

Tony bought Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in 2023.

The airport said he had a clear ambition for the site and wanted to develop it into a leading general aviation airport.

In a tribute, the airport said Tony had poured his “time, energy and passion” into securing its future.

Together with his co-owner, he transformed the site into what the airport described as a thriving aviation hub serving the local and wider aviation community.

The airport added that his passion and commitment had left a lasting mark on the organization and the people who worked there.

Pegasus also paid tribute to its managing director, describing his death as a moment of “immense sadness.”

The company said Tony had built a strong team and a business based on values and solid foundations.

ANOTHER BRITON AMONG THE VICTIMS

Tony was not the only British victim.

Owain Davies, 55, a businessman from west Wales and managing director of engineering company Amcanu, was also killed.

Davies’ son, Aron, previously described the loss of his father as “unimaginable.”

He remembered him as driven and determined, saying he was someone who did not believe a problem was too difficult to solve.

The identity of the third person aboard the aircraft was initially still being established.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that it was providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland.

TRIBUTES FROM HIS COMMUNITY

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

She described him as “one of the very best” and highlighted both his achievements in business and his contribution to the local community.

Tony had also supported events including the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade, according to the tribute reported by the BBC and The Sun.

Webb said his life had been tragically cut short and remembered him not only for his professional achievements but also for his humour and personality.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Swiss investigators are now working to establish why the aircraft crashed into the mountains shortly after departing Sion.

At this stage, authorities have not publicly identified a definitive cause.

The investigation will examine the aircraft, flight data and circumstances surrounding the crash as officials work to reconstruct what happened during the final minutes of the flight.

For Tony’s family, however, the tragedy is no longer simply an aviation investigation.

It is the sudden loss of a husband, father, businessman and friend.

His family said they would remember him for the qualities that defined him in life — kindness, generosity, determination and his love for his family.

Tony Hall was 42.