Two British air force members killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan have been named as Flight Lieutenants Alan Scott and Geraint "Roly" Roberts, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The RAF pair died after a Puma Mk 2 helicopter crashed while landing at Nato's Resolute Support mission headquarters in the Afghan capital Kabul.
Group Captain Simon Paterson, station commander at RAF Benson, said the men were "two of our most capable and dedicated colleagues and friends".
Flight Lieutenant Scott, from London, was 32, and Flight Lieutenant Roberts, from North Wales, was 44.
They were among five people killed, while five others were injured.
The MoD insisted the crash was an ''accident'', while an Afghan security guard said the aircraft appeared to strike an observational balloon as it landed.
Both officers were members of the Puma helicopter force based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.
In a statement, Captain Paterson said: "Today we mourn the loss of two of our most capable and dedicated colleagues and friends, both of whom were exceptional men who made a massive impact on the Puma Force and, indeed, the station.
"They will be greatly missed by all and we send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Flight Lieutenant Alan Scott and Flight Lieutenant Geraint "Roly" Roberts.
"A well-respected pilot, Alan was part of the core team which make up the Puma Force. His experience and level-headed nature made him an ideal pilot to go to Afghanistan on operations.
"His passion and enthusiasm for the job were second to none and he was a large part of the success that the Puma 2 has become.
"I completed my Puma 2 conversion course with Roly last year and have known him as long as I have been flying Support Helicopters. He was a military man to his core and was the epitome of all that the RAF represents. It was an honour to have served and flown with him."
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