FRIENDS of a pilot who was killed in a plane crash in Africa have paid tribute to a courageous adventurer with a big smile.

Chris Wilson, from Up Hatherley, was co-piloting a Filar plane when it crashed in Bandundu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing 19 others.

Chris had worked for the Congolese airline since last year.

Air accident officials are investigating the cause of the crash. It has emerged that the 39-year-old had raised concerns about the safety of the aircraft months before the accident happened.

Yesterday, family and friends paid tribute to his memory.

His sister Vivienne Bramall, 51, said she was amazed how many friends Chris had in Cheltenham.

She said: "He has an identical twin brother, Robert, so it is obviously difficult for him.

"We went to Chris' flat and I think his friends found it quite hard to see Robert because they look the same."

She added: "My main concern is getting Chris back as his body is still in the Congo. We want to bring Chris back to Cheltenham so his funeral can be held in the town."

Friend Emma McConnell met Chris at The Hatherley pub, where she used to work.

She said: "He used to come to the quiz and join our team and always knew the stuff no one else did."

The 32-year-old said Chris would wait on tables to help out.

"He was a lovely guy and would do anything for anyone," she said. "He had a really big smile and such an infectious laugh."

Chris had made plans for his 40th birthday in January. He wanted friends to join him on a road trip to the south of France.

Emma said: "I know you get these freak accidents, but you never imagine someone you know to be involved."

Chris' girlfriend, Daria Kudanowska, who lives in Cheltenham, left a message on his Facebook site which said: "Love you Chris! R.I.P. One of the text messages which you sent to me before you left: 'We are fairy tale! Everything will be perfect, I will build my wooden house and you can live there with our twins.' Now our fairy tale is gone :( Miss u so much xxx."

Chris, originally from Bury, joined the Territorial Army after university and was a member of the Royal Green Jackets.

He trained in bomb disposal and served in the US and Germany.

He worked for Airtours for several years before moving to another airline, BMED, as an air steward.

During his career he also worked at Tesco in Brockworth and as an energy advisor for Marks & Spencer, in Cheltenham.

Roger Bailey, 48, from Brockworth, said Chris eventually wanted to fly planes in Europe. He said he returned to England last Christmas because he was not being paid properly, but decided to return in July.

Roger said: "It was quite courageous to work in a war-torn country.

"He told me he was worried about the airworthiness of the aircraft and they are blacklisted by the licensing authority. It was always a concern of his."

Mike Louth, from Cheltenham, added: "Flying was Chris's passion – he paid for his own training.

"He was only working in Africa to get his flying miles up to get a decent job somewhere else."

Echo employee Steve Rouse, who knew Chris from the pub, said: "I saw him before he left in July. He told me about his new girlfriend – he seemed happy.

"He was a real adventurer."

Last night, a spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 25. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this distressing time."

OPINION, P8