London Helicopter crash: Former Lincolnshire and Notts Air Ambulance pilot killed

Mr Barnes died when his aircraft collided with a crane on top of The Tower, One St George Wharf at around 8am this morning.

Another person was killed in the accident and 12 were hurt.

Mr Barnes, 50, who lived near Reading, had asked to be diverted to a nearby heliport because of bad weather.

Graham Dawson, of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance said Mr Barnes was a ‘highly experience freelance pilot’ who worked from time to time with many organisations.

During his career he piloted helicopters in action scenes for films Die Another Day, Tomb Raider II and Saving Private Ryan.

He has also carried A-list celebrities including Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie.

During the summer he was employed by the London Olympics and had also piloted helicopters involved in the monitoring of the America’s Cup yachting race and F1 Powerboat racing.