Named as Trevor Bailey, the 68-year-old was the only occupant of the replica Spitfire when it crashed into a field near the A44 in Enstone at around 3pm yesterday (August 22).

Mr Bailey, from Cheltenham, was one of the first to sign up to own a share of a replica Spitfires in 2018 after the Spitfire Club launched a mission to build the first modern version of the WWII plane.

READ MORE: Leave your tributes here to pilot killed in Spitfire crash

The Spitfire Club, based at Enstone Airfield, constructed three models of the iconic aircraft at the time and is now in the process of building 15 Spitfires.

His wife, Kate Dove, said he "lost his life following his passion".

In a tribute posted online, she said: “It is with the heaviest heart I need to let you all know that Trev is no longer with us.

“He was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and loved by so many wonderful friends the world over.

“He lost his life following his passion. We are all devastated.”

Enstone Flying Club skipper, Paul Fowler, described Mr Bailey as a "great pilot and friend".

He said: “Trevor was always enthusiastic about the Spitfire project.

"It is a devastating loss to his family, friends and the whole flying community.

"We will miss his enthusiasm immensely, our thoughts are will his family”.

READ MORE: Woman left Oxford doctor for dead and gave 'cock and bull story' after horrific crash

Following the tragic crash, tributes have been paid by the community as Thames Valley Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) continue to investigate.

A spokesperson for Enstone Parish Council said: “We are saddened to hear the news and their thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the pilot.”

Bev Pook wrote: “Blue skies to the unknown fellow aviator. You departed this life doing what you loved doing.”

READ MORE: Plans for solar farm the size of 150 football pitches to be decided today

Christina Ellis wrote: “So, so sad but he left this world in such an iconic plane, fly high!”

Ali Gunston added: “How heartbreaking for the family of the pilot. I loved seeing the plane coming over our house.”

Thames Valley Police said there will be an increased police presence in the area whilst the B4022 Tew Road remains shut and is likely to be closed for at least another 24 hours.

Formal identification of the man is still due to take place as an investigation into the crash continues.

Superintendent Jen Hogben, local policing area commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, said: “We, other emergency services and the AAIB remain on scene following this tragic incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of the pilot. A specially trained officer will be supporting them and we would ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

“We are conducting an investigation to understand the circumstances of the crash, and will be liaising with His Majesty’s coroner. 

“The AAIB will also be conducting a parallel investigation to identify any learning for the aviation industry.

Anyone with information, footage or photographs, around this incident who has not yet come should contact Thames Valley Police either online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1358 and yesterday’s date.