Buckland St Mary air crash: Family pays tribute to killed artist

An artist who was killed in a light aircraft crash was "the foundation stone of the family", her relatives have said.

Margaret Costa, of Lancercombe, Devon, was a passenger in a plane that crashed on farmland near Buckland St Mary, Somerset at about 10:30 BST on 12 August.

The 74-year-old and pilot Jonathan Mann, 69, both died at the scene.

The crash is being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Ms Costa's family said the world felt "less colourful" without her.

In a statement, they said she was one of only a handful of artists worldwide who specialised in "fore-edge painting", which are hidden watercolours painted on the opening side of books.

"She was a much-loved mum and a nanny to four grandchildren," they said.

"She was the foundation stone of the family and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

"The world feels a less colourful place without her, but she blessed those she knew with many beautiful memories to remember her by."

An inquest into the deaths has been opened and adjourned.

Senior Somerset coroner Tony Williams said post-mortem examinations show Ms Costa and Mr Mann, from Tipton St John, died from multiple injuries.

The inquest was adjourned pending a report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

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