Airport Owner Anthony Hall Identified as Second British Victim in Swiss Alps Plane Crash

Anthony Hall, a businessman and owner of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport, has been identified as the second British national to die in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps. The Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed near Leukerbad in the southern canton of Valais on September 15, killing Hall and two other occupants.

Hall, also known as Tony, was the managing director of Pegasus, a construction and recycling company based in the West Midlands. He purchased the airport in Staffordshire for £4.5 million in 2023. His family described him as an "incredible dad" and a "truly wonderful husband, devoted father and much-loved man."

In a statement, his family said, "Tony was an exceptional businessman who achieved great things in the construction/haulage industry, and his commitment to succeed and progress never faltered." They added that he was "first and foremost a loving husband and an incredible dad to his daughter, whose family meant everything to him." The family also extended their condolences to the families of the other victims.

Former MP for Stourbridge, Suzanne Webb, paid tribute to Hall, calling him a "legend" and a "genuinely good person." She highlighted his success in building Pegasus and praised his charity work, including his support for the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade, noting his service in the armed forces.

The company Pegasus also posted a statement on its Facebook page, remembering Hall as the founder who built the business through "hard work, determination and genuine commitment." They echoed sentiments of his dedication to his family.

Officials stated that the aircraft took off from Sion airport and crashed approximately ten minutes later into a mountainside. Firefighters, police, and rescue teams responded to the scene. Investigations into the cause of the crash are being conducted by the Swiss Transportation Safety Board, Valais Police, and the Office of the Attorney General.

The Foreign Office confirmed it is providing support to the families of the two British nationals who died.

Last week, engineering boss Owain Davies, 55, was identified as the first British victim. Davies was described by his firm, Amcanu, as an "unstoppable force" and a "very good friend." He was an experienced pilot and aviation was a significant passion for him. At the time of the accident, he was traveling as a passenger. Davies was also a trustee of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity since 2017, where he made "significant contributions."