THE Ministry of Defence today named two members of the RAF based at Benson who were killed in a helicopter crash last night.
Flight Lieutenant David Oxer Hanson Sale and Sgt Phillip Anthony Burfoot both died at 8.20pm when their Puma helicopter crashed during a training accident in Catterick.
Both men belonged to 33 Squadron, based at RAF Benson.
A keen sportsman, Flt Lt Sale represented the air base at hockey and golf and was described by colleagues as cheerful, with a dry wit.
Sgt Sale, nicknamed "Taff" because of his Welsh background, was a rugby fan and had only joined the squadron three months ago.
Nine other service personnel, who were passengers on the helicopter, are being treated in hospitals in the North East. Two are in a critical condition.
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