The family of the pilot involved in the Shoreham air crash have said they are “devastated and deeply saddened for the loss of life” of those involved in the tragedy.

Andrew Hill is fighting for his life while 11 were others have been killed when his Hawker Hunter jet plummeted on to the A27. below.

In a statement released today, Mr Hill’s family said: “Following the tragic events at the Shoreham Airshow on Saturday, the pilot’s family are devastated and deeply saddened for the loss of life, and they send their prayers and heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected at this difficult time.

“Andrew Hill remains in critical condition. He has multiple injuries and is in a medically induced coma.

“His family pay tribute to the emergency services for their highly professional response following the accident and to the medical team at the Royal Sussex County Hospital for the care they are continuing to provide to Andrew.”

It has also emerged that Mr Hill was due to fly the doomed plane at a Battle of Britain anniversary event at Duxford next month.

An aviation expert has ruled out the plane’s age as being the cause of the Shoreham air crash – and said it may have been caused by “flameout” instead.

Julian Bray said the 1950s Hawker Hunter would have been subjected to rigorous safety checks and he is “sure the age of the aircraft is not a problem”.

Chris Heames, the pilot who was listed in the air show’s programme as the intended pilot of the Hunter at Shoreham, said he had never been due to fly on Saturday.

Mr Heames, 63, told a national newspaper that it had been arranged two months ago that Mr Hill would fly the plane, because Mr Heames was due to go on holiday.

Speaking on his return yesterday morning from a family holiday in Cambodia, Mr Heames added: “We are both equally experienced, we fly approximately half the displays each. Andy has probably flown the aircraft 20 times this season.”

He said it would be “totally wrong” to speculate on the cause of the crash until the AAIB had carried out its investigation, but described Mr Hill as “the cream of the crop” in piloting terms.