AN EARLY post-mortem examination of two RAF Benson airmen killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan found they both sustained serious injuries, an inquest heard this afternoon.

Flight Lieutenant Alan Scott, of 33 Squadron Royal Air Force, and Flight Lieutenant Geraint ‘Roly’ Roberts, of 230 Squadron Royal Air Force, died on Sunday, October 11, after the crash in Kabul.

Their bodies were repatriated to RAF Brize Norton on October 20 and an inquest into their deaths began today at Oxford Coroner’s Court, at County Hall.

Flt Lt Scott was aged 32 and married to a postgraduate student, the coroner’s court heard, and 44-year-old Flt Lt Roberts was also married, to a teaching assistant.

Both were members of the Puma helicopter force based at RAF Benson, near Wallingford.

Assistant Coroner Nicholas Gardiner said an early post-mortem examination of the men had been carried out on October 21, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

He said the examination found Flt Lt Scott, who lived in Baker Avenue, Benson, was killed by multiple injuries and that Flt Lt Roberts, of Reading, was killed by severe head injuries.

Mr Gardiner adjourned the inquest until the conclusion of separate inquiries being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence.

Group Captain Simon Paterson, station commander at RAF Benson, said the men were “two of our most capable and dedicated colleagues and friends, both of whom were exceptional and made a massive impact on the Puma Force and the station”.