TRIBUTES have flooded in locally and nationally to a paraglider from Mary Tavy who died in a tragic mid-air collision last week during a national competition.

Innes Powell, 54, collided with Ukranian Igor Volov, 56, during the task window before the start of the final race of the British Open in Krusevo on Friday (August 17). Mr Volov died at the scene while Mr Powell died later at hospital.

A British pilot at the scene, on behalf of the British Competitions Panel, told reporters: ‘Innes was conscious and talking to rescuers when they first arrived on the scene. He was taken to a local hospital in Prilep by land ambulance. He was in a critical but stable condition with a broken shoulder, pelvis and ribs. He was placed on life support, we were informed as a precautionary measure.’

‘However, his internal injuries were obviously more serious than first assumed and we understand he died due to the severity of his injuries.’

Mr Powell was a well-known instructor who had decades of experience in competitive flying. It is believed that Mr Powell and Mr Volov collided while travelling through a thermal air column.

Investigators have ordered downloads of video and data from the paragliders’ tracker systems.

A statement on the British Paragliding Competitions’ website said: ‘It is with great sadness that the The British Paragliding Competitions Panel have to announce the deaths of Innes Powell and Igor Volov in the final task of the British Open in Krusevo on Friday, August 17, 2018. Our deep condolences go to the families and friends of the two pilots.’

Following the accident, friend and publisher of Cross Country magazine Hugh Miller wrote a tribute to Mr Powell on the magazine’s website. He said: ‘It was the worst worst worst possible way for a week to end. A stomach blow to the UK flying community. We’re all reeling.

‘You had many close friends at Airwave, on the Isle of Wight and then Dartmoor, when you moved South West…

‘Bob Drury describes you as the “king of banter” and despite your tough exterior, I know you were more honest than most about your vulnerabilities and difficulties.

‘You had an instinct for recognising those in others too, including me, and I’ll never forget your early words of support.’

The chairman of the Isle of Wight Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club, where Mr Powell trained, published a statement on the club’s website on behalf of the club, which said: ‘It is with great regret that the IOWHGPC has been informed of a recent incident that took place at the British Open Paragliding Competition, where tragically Innes Powell was killed.

‘The members and committee send their sincere and deep condolences to Sarah, Rosie and his family. Our thoughts are with them all at this dreadful time.’

Friends and acquaintances took to Facebook after the news to pay tribute to Mr Powell.

One comment said: ‘So so sad to lose Innes. One of my favourite friends to fly with, work with and drink with.

‘There was never a dull thermal or bar when he was in it with you. A heartbreaking and truly unjust tragedy. Fly free amigo.’

Another said: ‘He was a gent amongst pilots. He would always speak it as he saw it and though he often presented the tough exterior, those lucky enough to get to know him knew he had a heart.

‘A true character both in the skies and of course the bar. He will be missed.’

Other comments included: ‘A true, kind, decent guy, taken far too soon, thoughts are with your family’, ‘Top bloke — always full of stories and had a real passion for what he did’, ‘Smashing bloke, great to talk to’ and ‘I moved to the village 14 months ago and Innes made me feel very welcome at the Mary Tavy Inn. May he rest in peace.’