Trevor Bailey, aged 68, was the only occupant of the replica Spitfire when it crashed into a field near the A44 in Enstone at around 3pm yesterday (August 22).

Mr Bailey from Cheltenham was one of the first onboard when enthusiasts launched a mission in 2018 to build the first modern Spitfires in Europe and get them flying over the Oxfordshire countryside again.

READ MORE: Pilot killed in plane crash named as tributes pour in for Spitfire enthusiast

Speaking to the Oxford Mail in 2018, Mr Bailey said he flew at least once a month but still admitted to feeling nervous before taking off despite believing that was a good thing.

In 2018, Mr Bailey said: “They are great fun to fly but can be a challenge.

“There is a lot going on and it’s not very comfortable.

“I think most pilots are wannabe Spitfire pilots but will never get the chance.”

The Spitfire Club, based at Enstone Airfield, constructed three models of the iconic aircraft at the time and is now in the process of building 15 Spitfires.

The plan was set up by Thame-based Paul Fowler, 57, a lifelong wannabe Spitfire pilot.

He wanted to give pilots the chance to experience flying the aircraft, something very few people are able to do with prices for the few remaining Second World War models entering the millions.

Mr Fowler described Mr Bailey as a "great pilot and friend".

The Enstone Flying Club skipper said: “Trevor was always enthusiastic about the Spitfire project.

"It is a devastating loss to his family, friends and the whole flying community.”

His wife, Kate Dove, said he "lost his life following his passion".

In a tribute posted online, she said: “It is with the heaviest heart I need to let you all know that Trev is no longer with us.

“He was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and loved by so many wonderful friends the world over.

“He lost his life following his passion. We are all devastated.”

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Following the tragic crash, tributes have been paid by the community as Thames Valley Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) continue to investigate.

Thames Valley Police said there will be an increased police presence in the area whilst the B4022 Tew Road remains shut and is likely to be closed for at least another 24 hours.

Superintendent Jen Hogben, local policing area commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, said: “We, other emergency services and the AAIB remain on scene following this tragic incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of the pilot. A specially trained officer will be supporting them and we would ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

“We are conducting an investigation to understand the circumstances of the crash, and will be liaising with His Majesty’s coroner. 

“The AAIB will also be conducting a parallel investigation to identify any learning for the aviation industry.

Anyone with information, footage or photographs, around this incident who has not yet come should contact Thames Valley Police either online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1358 and yesterday’s date.