' David Ibbotson The Pilot '

Family of Emiliano Sala's pilot, David Ibbotson, pay tribute to the 'best dad anybody could wish for' -




Grimsby Gazzette

Wednesday 6th January 2019



The family of David Ibbotson, the pilot of the plane carrying Cardiff City player Emiliano Sala, have paid tribute to him, describing him as the best dad anybody could wish for.

Mr Ibbotson was flying the Piper PA-46 Malibu when it disappeared over the English Channel two weeks ago.

The wreckage of the light aircraft was discovered on Sunday after a private search operation was launched. The day after, a body was confirmed to be present inside the plane.

It has yet to be confirmed whose body it is. You can follow our live coverage of events here.


A makeshift memorial has appeared in Mr Ibbotson's home village of Crowle, North Lincolnshire, with floral tributes left in the market square.

His devastated family have paid emotional tributes to the "best dad anyone could wish for".

His daughter Vicki said: "Daddio, Words cannot describe how much I am going to miss you. You are the best dad anybody could wish for and I will love you always.




"I have (word illegible) memories and will pass these on to anybody I meet. All my love Vicki."

Younger sister Helen Kapatysulias wrote: "I have so many memories of you, mine is of you when you were coming home from school, you used to pick me up and carry me home. I will lock these memories in my heart forever."

Another message read: "All I would like is to see your face, smiling, cheekily, again. I know you're safe wherever you are. I pray that one day I will see you again, my gentle Big Brother.

"I love you forever and always and will never forget you."

The pilot's nephew Tim also left a note, saying: "To my uncle David. We hope that the angels are looking and guiding you home to us. I love you lots".

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Thank you Annis for this post which was very much needed at this sad time, as we are thinking about the recovery of the body of at least one of these two men, so greatly loved and missed by their respective families

Along with all City fans I have worried about Emiliano Sala's safety at the outset and been heartbreakingly saddened by the tragic loss of his young life when the world was at his feet.

Just lately though my thoughts have been going out to Dave Ibbotson who also lost his life and thinking of his loved ones who have suffered no less a tragic loss than the Sala family.

Both men and both families were tragic and unfortunate victims of this horrible incident - please God - let both men be recovered and brought home to their loved ones to RIP.

Thank you Annis for this post which was very much needed at this sad time, as we are thinking about the recovery of the body of at least one of these two men, so greatly loved and missed by their respective families

Along with all City fans I have worried about Emiliano Sala's safety at the outset and been heartbreakingly saddened by the tragic loss of his young life when the world was at his feet.

Just lately though my thoughts have been going out to Dave Ibbotson who also lost his life and thinking of his loved ones who have suffered no less a tragic loss than the Sala family.

Both men and both families were tragic and unfortunate victims of this horrible incident - please God - let both men be recovered and brought home to their loved ones to RIP.

Well said RIP

Thank you Annis for this post which was very much needed at this sad time, as we are thinking about the recovery of the body of at least one of these two men, so greatly loved and missed by their respective families

Along with all City fans I have worried about Emiliano Sala's safety at the outset and been heartbreakingly saddened by the tragic loss of his young life when the world was at his feet.

Just lately though my thoughts have been going out to Dave Ibbotson who also lost his life and thinking of his loved ones who have suffered no less a tragic loss than the Sala family.

Both men and both families were tragic and unfortunate victims of this horrible incident - please God - let both men be recovered and brought home to their loved ones to RIP.

good post..

Thank you Annis for this post which was very much needed at this sad time, as we are thinking about the recovery of the body of at least one of these two men, so greatly loved and missed by their respective families

Along with all City fans I have worried about Emiliano Sala's safety at the outset and been heartbreakingly saddened by the tragic loss of his young life when the world was at his feet.

Just lately though my thoughts have been going out to Dave Ibbotson who also lost his life and thinking of his loved ones who have suffered no less a tragic loss than the Sala family.

Both men and both families were tragic and unfortunate victims of this horrible incident - please God - let both men be recovered and brought home to their loved ones to RIP.

Spot on. Great post.

Anyone who has lost there Father knows what they must be going through .But not to have known how things happen makes it all the more painful. May God give them Peace of mind soon.

Anyone who has lost there Father knows what they must be going through .But not to have known how things happen makes it all the more painful. May God give them Peace of mind soon.

Thank you Annis for this post which was very much needed at this sad time, as we are thinking about the recovery of the body of at least one of these two men, so greatly loved and missed by their respective families

Along with all City fans I have worried about Emiliano Sala's safety at the outset and been heartbreakingly saddened by the tragic loss of his young life when the world was at his feet.

Just lately though my thoughts have been going out to Dave Ibbotson who also lost his life and thinking of his loved ones who have suffered no less a tragic loss than the Sala family.

Both men and both families were tragic and unfortunate victims of this horrible incident - please God - let both men be recovered and brought home to their loved ones to RIP.

Totally agree and your right there are two families grieving.

Thank you Annis for this post which was very much needed at this sad time, as we are thinking about the recovery of the body of at least one of these two men, so greatly loved and missed by their respective families

Along with all City fans I have worried about Emiliano Sala's safety at the outset and been heartbreakingly saddened by the tragic loss of his young life when the world was at his feet.

Just lately though my thoughts have been going out to Dave Ibbotson who also lost his life and thinking of his loved ones who have suffered no less a tragic loss than the Sala family.

Both men and both families were tragic and unfortunate victims of this horrible incident - please God - let both men be recovered and brought home to their loved ones to RIP.

Great post mate,eloquently put

Just been confirmed on SSN that the search for David Ibbotson will resume later today once the weather setlles