A PILOT killed in a helicopter crash in North Yorkshire was to have taken up frontline duties in Iraq, later this year, it has emerged.

Flight Lieutenant David Sale, 28, from Norton, near Stockton, and crewman Sergeant Phillip Burford died when a Puma helicopter crashed while on a training exercise, near Catterick Garrison, on August 8.

Private Sean Tait, of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, one of nine soldiers on board the aircraft, died later from his injuries.

The funeral of Flt Lt Sale takes place today with upwards of 200 RAF personnel expected. He will be given a full military funeral at St Mary's Church, on the village green at Norton, where he grew up.

Last night, only hours before the funeral, Flt Lt Sale's senior officer, Wing Commander Duncan Trapp Officer Commanding No 33 Squadron, revealed the promising pilot was looking forward to combat duty in the Gulf.

Wing Cdr Trapp said: "He had recently qualified as combat ready, thus proving himself capable of operating to the highest standards both in the air and on the ground. The squadron's ongoing commitment to Iraq would have seen him deploy there in the autumn.

"David was keen to take up his position on the frontline and there is absolutely no doubt that he had the moral courage and the skills to do very well.''

Flt Lt Sale was taking part in a training exercise in support of soldiers from the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick, when tragedy struck. The aim of the exercise was to familiarise junior soldiers with helicopter operations. Only the day before he died Flt Lt Sale was behind the controls of a helicopter which briefly touched down on a sports field at Norton, while on a training flight with two pupil pilots.

Wg Cdr Trapp said: "Having joined the Royal Air Force after a short career in information technology, Flt Lt David Sale brought with him a considerable amount of life experience that saw him develop rapidly as a mature and compassionate junior officer.

"He was a modest individual who preferred to let his actions speak for themselves without feeling the need to crow about his many achievements.

"The loss of such a talent has hit the squadron hard, but David will always be remembered as a promising young pilot with a bright future ahead of him.''