Investigations were continuing today into the cause of a plane crash which claimed the life of an Oxfordshire pilot.

First Officer Russell Dixon, 29, of Welford Gardens, Abingdon, and Captain Carl Mason, 58, of Ayr, died on Monday when their Royal Mail plane plunged into the Firth of Forth estuary shortly after take-off from Edinburgh airport.

Mr Dixon had been flying for many years. He was working for Loganair to build up his flying hours so he could apply to join one of the main airlines.

He joined carmaker Rover after leaving Fitzharrys School in Abingdon, and was named engineering apprentice of the year. He then worked for Jaguar and then Tom Walkinshaw Racing in Leafield.

Mr Dixon's father, Barry, 54, said he had sold his motorbike for £8,000 to fulfill his ambition to fly. He said: "He was so determined. He put all his efforts into flying.

"He achieved his dream but tragically it was a dream that led to his death."

Loganair fleet manager Murdo Macleod said: "Russell was enjoying his flying very much. Obviously, we are all desperately sad for his family and his friends.

"His friends within the company, his fellow pilots and co-pilots are very distressed at this tragic event."

According to police, the crew had issued a Mayday call citing a double engine failure minutes before crashing near Granton harbour. Their bodies were recovered after an extensive search of the crash scene by the RAF and lifeboats.

Police and air accident investigators were still at the scene today to oversee the operation to recover wreckage and to take witness statements.

The Shorts 360's 'black box' recorders have been recovered, but the Air Accidents Investigation Branch's report on the crash is not expected for several months.