Businessman and devoted father, 42, killed in Swiss plane crash

The owner of an airport on the edge of the Black Country is among three people who died in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps.

Tony Hall, 42, was one of two Britons killed when a small aircraft crashed into the northern slope of a mountain in the Fluhalp area of Leukerbad on September 15.

Mr Hall was managing director of the Lye-based Pegasus group, which bought Halfpenny Green Airport in Bobbington for £4.5 million in 2023.

In a statement released this week his family described him as “a truly wonderful husband, devoted father and much-loved man”.

A keen pilot, he was one of three people aboard a single-engine plane which had taken off from Lugano, before stopping over at Sion Airport.

The Cirrus SR22T light aircraft then resumed its flight towards Buochs airfield in Nidwalden, central Switzerland.

“Shortly after 4pm, for reasons yet to be determined, the aircraft collided with the northern slope of a mountain in the Fluhalp area of Leukerbad,” said a local report.

“Signs of smoke were subsequently reported in the region.”

The Valais Cantonal Rescue Organization (OCVS) sent three helicopters and two rescue specialists who confirmed the deaths of the three occupants of the aircraft.

The other British occupant of the plane has been identified as 55-year-old businessman Owain Davies from Camarthenshire in West Wales.

Valais state police and the OCVS, firefighters from Leukerbad and Sion Airport attended the scene. The Swiss Safety Investigation Service was also called in, and launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Specialists from the Vaud state police in charge of technical security operations also attended.

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland lodged a criminal investigation, in collaboration with the Valais Cantonal Police.

Mr Hall’s family released a statement this week paying tribute to him.

It said: “As a family, we are completely heartbroken by the loss of a truly wonderful husband, devoted father and much-loved man.

“Tony was an exceptional businessman who achieved great things in the construction/haulage industry, and his commitment to succeed and progress never faltered.

“Although a prominent business figure, he was first and foremost a loving husband and an incredible dad to his daughter, whose family meant everything to him. We will miss him immensely and will remember him as the kind, caring, generous, determined and fantastic character he was.

“We are incredibly grateful for the kindness, love, and support shown to our family during this devastating time. Our hearts go out to those who also lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.

“We would now respectfully ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with our loss and say goodbye to a man who meant the world to us.”

A statement from the Foreign Office said: “We are providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland and in contact with the local authorities.

“Our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time.”

Mr Hall’s company, which offers a range of services to the construction industry, took over the airport in August 2023.

At the time Mr Hall said: “Such a unique opportunity to acquire Wolverhampton Airport was one not to be missed. First and foremost, I’ve always been a huge aviation enthusiast and having learnt to fly at the airport it holds a place of special significance for me.

“The airport is somewhat of a local treasure so its importance in the area was a factor not only for its resident pilots but also for the surrounding landscape and its neighbours. Lastly, the airport is a business which I hope to see progress and strive to become a thriving airfield for all to appreciate.”

Before setting up the business, Mr Hall had served with the Parachute Regiment.

Charity

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb expressed her sorrow at the news, saying Mr Hall had given a great deal to the area with his support for charities.

“I’m devastated and still struggling to take in the news that friend and businessman Tony Hall was among those involved in the plane crash,” she said.

“My heart goes out above all to Tony’s family. I can only imagine the depth of their loss, and my thoughts are very much with them at this heart-breaking time.

“Tony will always be a legend to me. What he achieved in helping build Pegasus into the success it is today, alongside the other directors, was remarkable.

“But beyond the business, Tony was great fun to be around and, quite simply, a genuinely good person. I will miss his quick wit and humour.

“I was with Tony at the Stourbridge Rugby Club corporate lunch in May, and it is so hard to believe he is gone.

“His loss will be deeply felt by his friends and throughout the business community in Stourbridge and beyond.

“Tony gave so much to the area, particularly through his support for the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade.

“Having served in the armed forces, he gave his support willingly. His life was tragically cut short, but what he achieved after leaving the Army was truly inspiring and done with a passion that I was always in awe.

“RIP Tony. You were one of the very best, and you will be missed more than words can say."