Millionaire businessman among Britons killed in Swiss Alps plane crash

A British millionaire businessman has been named as one of three people killed when a small plane crashed in the Swiss Alps this week.

Owain Davies, 55, was travelling in the light aircraft when it crashed into a mountain slope ten minutes into its journey, killing everyone on board. Two other people, including another Briton, are yet to be identified.

Emergency services were alerted when smoke was reported in the region Tuesday morning, according to a statement by Valais police.

Mr Davies was the managing director of Amcanu, an engineering firm founded by his father Spencer Davies OBE, based in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire.

One of his sons, Aron, described his father as a “mentor throughout my life” adding that he was a “real character”.

“I am immensely proud of everything he achieved, but I am even prouder to have had him as my father,” he said.

“Our family has suffered an unimaginable loss, and we are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support already being shown to us.”

Mr Davies had another son, Ffion, and was married to Michelle. He was an experienced pilot but it is not yet clear whether he was flying the plane at the time of the crash.

Paying tribute, a statement from Amcanu said “family was always at the centre” of his life, describing their former colleague as “strong-willed, spirited, determined and deeply caring”.

“He was immensely proud of Aron and Ffion and deeply devoted to Michelle,” the statement said. “He absolutely adored being a grandfather to Oakley and Albie.”

“Becoming a grandad brought him enormous happiness, and spending more time with his family had become increasingly important to him.”

Mr Davies was also described as a “proud Welshman and Welsh speaker” who also served as a trustee of the Wales Air Ambulance.

“Owain was a valued colleague and friend, whose loyalty and generosity of spirit meant so much to us. He will be greatly missed,” said Dr Kyle Jacques, a fellow trustee.

The cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed and the Swiss Transportation Board has opened an investigation. Valais Police and the Office of the Attorney General have launched a criminal inquiry following the crash.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office said it was “providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland” and is in contact with local authorities, in a statement to the BBC.

“Our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time.”