RAF airman Geraint Roberts died in Afghan helicopter crash

Flt Lt Roberts was a member of the Puma helicopter force based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire

An RAF airman from north Wales was one of two killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Flight Lieutenant Geraint Roberts, 44, from Rhyl, died alongside Flt Lt Alan Scott when the Puma Mk2 aircraft came down in Kabul on Sunday.

Three other people were also killed as it tried to land at Nato's training and support mission HQ.

The MoD said the crash was "an accident and not the result of insurgent activity".

Flt Lt Geraint "Roly" Roberts joined the RAF in 1988 as an air traffic controller, after leaving Ysgol Glan Clwyd at St Asaph in Denbighshire.

'Loyal and dedicated'

The father-of-two went on to train as an air loadmaster working on Chinook aircraft before later qualifying as an instructor.

He was based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire where he was Crewman Leader for 230 Squadron and had previously served in Bosnia, the Falkland Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The accident involved a Puma Mk2 helicopter (file picture)

His commanding officer, Wing Commander Toby Sawbridge, paid tribute to an "extremely experienced, loyal and dedicated" airman with 20 years of flying experience.

"He was my 'go to' man for all crewman issues and his honest and direct approach was always welcomed," he said.

"A man with exceptionally high standards, he was never afraid to remind anyone when he felt they could have done better. However, this advice was always delivered with his characteristic wry smile and good humour."

"The Support Helicopter Force has lost not only an outstanding operator but a good friend to so many."

"A loving husband and father, our thoughts are with his wife and children at this most difficult of times," he added.

Flt Lt Scott, who also died in the crash, was said to have a "calm and reserved nature"

Friend and colleague, Flt Lt Kevin Hare, said the former Ysgol Glan Clwyd pupil took great pride in his work, "constantly pushing the rest of us and never accepting mediocrity".

"He spoke with such joy about his time growing up in north Wales, and strove to ensure he gave his own children the best opportunities and experiences. Our detachment and our squadron will not be the same without him," he added.

Major General Richard Felton, Commander of Joint Helicopter Command, said he was deeply saddened by the death of both men, who would be "sorely missed".

He said the accident was a reminder of the dangers service men and women faced in military service, adding: "I'm extremely proud of their unwavering professionalism, courage and commitment to serve and protect the nation."

Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon, said the "heartfelt tributes" paid to both men showed they were highly respected and professional members of the RAF.

"Their untimely deaths are a tragedy and my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families at this difficult time," he added.