THE pilot who died when a helicopter crashed in North Yorkshire has been named by police.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said on Thursday that they believed the pilot was Barry Dodd CBE, the Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.

He said: "Sadly, the pilot of the private aircraft following the helicopter near Aldborough was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Whilst we await formal identification, we believe he is Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd CBE. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Mr Dodd’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The helicopter crashed at about 1.25pm on Wednesday.

Mr Dodd's widow, Frances Dodd, said: "I am very sad to confirm the news that Barry was tragically killed in a flying accident yesterday.

"Barry was a wonderful man. He lived his life according to his values of honesty and integrity.

"He was intelligent, compassionate and visionary. He enjoyed great business success but just as important to him was his devotion to public service and helping others.

"He was particularly proud to serve as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

"More than anything however, he was a loving family man and I will miss him enormously."

A spokesman from the Air Accidents Investigations Branch said: “Our investigation is in its early stages and we have spoken to a number of people.

"Our investigators would still like to hear from anyone who saw or heard the helicopter crash. You can contact us at enquiries@aaib.gov.uk.

“Inspectors from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch arrived in Boroughbridge yesterday to start an investigation into an accident involving a Bell 206B helicopter. There was one person on board. The aircraft departed from Husthwaite, North Yorkshire.

“Our inspectors have been working on site, speaking to witnesses and gathering other evidence. We anticipate that the aircraft will be recovered tomorrow and brought to our specialist facility in Farnborough for a detailed examination while our investigation continues. We will publish a report on our findings when our investigation has concluded.”

Jan Garrill, chief executive of the Two Ridings Community Foundation, said Mr Dodd was "a friend of the foundation, in the truest sense".

Mr Dodd had hosted an event for the foundation in Harrogate in January, and spoken to business leaders and potential supporters to encourage closer working.

Jan said: "He was a real champion of North Yorkshire businesses and charities alike.

"Barry was co-president of the foundation and an amazing supporter and advocate for our work. His tragic death is so devastating for his family and we send our best wishes to them at this time."

City of York Council said flags would fly at half mast in tribute to Mr Dodd today.

Mr Dodd holds an OBE, a CBE, and was the Queen's reprensetaive in North Yorkshire as the Lord-Lieutenant, as well as board positions on public and private organisations. 

Described by peers as a serial entrepreneur and wealth creator, Mr Dodd works throughout North Yorkshire to support business, promoting the region on a national and international level, as well as attracting, managing and distributing almost £240 million of Government and European funding through his position as chairman of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership.

Mr Dodd was the first person elected to the role of LEP chairman, appointed to run the business-led partnership with the public sector, working to help businesses in the region improve and grow.

Mr Dodd began his working life as a graduate trainee with ICI and spent five years within ICI management working in London, New York and Teesside. He left when the urge to work for himself got the better of him.

The Northern Echo:

Barry Dodd during his time as chief executive of GSM

He founded his first company, GSM Graphic Arts Ltd as a two person start up in Thirsk. Through organic growth and 15 acquisitions within the last 15 years GSM has grown to become the largest manufacturer of industrial graphic products in Europe. In the UK, GSM Group run 4 manufacturing plants and a software house.

The Northern Echo:

Barry Dodd pictured in 1999 with staff at GSM. Picture: Richard Doughty

In 2005 Mr Dodd decided to devote one day per week to unpaid public service. 

He received his OBE in 2006 and in recognition of his work, he was awarded a CBE in 2014 for services to the Yorkshire Economy and voluntary service to the community.

Also in 2014 Mr Dodd was made Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, the Queen’s official representative for the district following the retirement of Lord Crathorne.

Two Ridings Community Foundation, which works at strengthening communities across York, Hull, North and East Yorkshire by promoting and facilitating philanthropy, local giving & corporate social responsibility, has also paid tribute to their co-president.