Pete Barnes, 50, died from multiple injuries after his helicopter hit a high-rise crane on The Tower at St George Wharf, Vauxhall, and crashed into Wandsworth Road below.
Barnes, a father of two, was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been flying from Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey to Elstree in Hertfordshire but was diverted to Battersea heliport in his twin-engine AgustaWestland 109 helicopter, Southwark Coroner’s Court heard.
The experienced pilot, who had 25 years’ experience, had flown as an air ambulance pilot and in several films during his career including Saving Private Ryan and Tomb Raider II
Friends and family described him as “a good guy” who was “full of life and great fun”.
Pedestrian Matthew Wood, 39, from Sutton, Surrey, was also killed in the tragedy.
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