John Richard Ingham (45) from Aldfield, near Ripon, died when the two-seater Piper 38 Tomahawk plane he was piloting crashed into the water 200 yards out to sea near Robin Hood’s Bay, on 17 October.

Mr Ingham, who was married to Liz and had three children – Erica, Amy and William – worked as an aviation charter broker. The dog-lover was described as a loyal friend to many, including his three black labradors.

In a statement, his family said: “With the shock of losing such a wonderful husband and father, the family are clearly devastated.”

Horrified witnesses raised the alarm after they saw the plane crash into the sea near Stoupe Beck, less than a mile from Robin Hood’s Bay.

Mr Ingham, believed to have been flying his plane back to Durham Tees Valley Airport, sent out a Mayday distress call before the impact. An inquest into Mr Ingham’s death was opened and adjourned in Scarborough on Thursday.

Mr Ingham will be given a private cremation but there will be a service of thanksgiving at St Mary’s Church, in Studley Royal, tomorrow, at 1pm.