TWO brothers who died in a helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon have been described as “irreplaceable” by their reverend father.

Stuart and Jason Hill, from Worthing, died along with Stuart’s girlfriend Becky Dobson and newlyweds Ellie Udall, from Worthing, and Jonathan Udall, from Brighton.

The group were on holiday in the US in February 2018 when they booked the 30-minute helicopter ride.

It went without incident until the pilot came down to land over the west rim of the canyon, where he lost control.

All five passengers survived the crash but died when the helicopter became a fireball after the fuel tank was punctured.

The Argus: Becky Dobson (left), Stuart Hill and his brother Jason HillBecky Dobson (left), Stuart Hill and his brother Jason Hill

At the inquest in Horsham on Wednesday, coroner Penelope Schofield concluded all five died as a result of a tragic accident after pilot Scott Booth lost control in a violent gust of wind.

Mr Booth, who lost both legs in the crash, had failed his annual pilot check shortly before the crash, the inquest heard.

Reverend David Hill said the trauma of losing his “irreplaceable” sons has been life-draining.

"We wish with every fibre of our being that this had never happened,” he said.

His wife Sandra said the couple has suffered every parent’s nightmare.

"The loneliness that now surrounds us is unbearable," she said. "We are left living in a different world where we will never be truly happy again.

"Our boys were fine young men who should have lived long lives."

Jason, 31, was a solicitor, while his brother Stuart, 30, was a car salesman.

Rebecca, a vet assistant from Worthing, was described by her mother Jane as an amazing daughter, sister and auntie.

"Our lives will never be the same,” she said. "You will always stay with us in our hearts forever. We love you Beccy."

The Argus: Ellie Milward and with her husband Jonathan Udall Ellie Milward and with her husband Jonathan Udall

Ellie was remembered as a caring friend and godmother, devoted wife, sister and daughter by her family.

In a statement read to the court, the Udall family said: "Jonathan was only 31 when tragedy struck.

"Our world came crashing down. Jonathan was a compassionate, kind and caring person.

"To now face every day without him is as unbearable as it can get. He has left a huge void - 31 years of Jonathan was simply not enough."

The Argus: Scene of helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon Scene of helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon

Coroner Schofield said: "Today, hearing you reading out details of you children was very, very moving.

"Our sincere condolences for the tragic loss of such young and gifted people in such tragic circumstances. Our hearts go out to you."

The tourists had boarded the helicopter at Boulder City near Las Vegas.

The helicopter rotor blades clipped the wall of the canyon, before the tail section broke away from the fuselage before impact, the inquest heard.

Witnesses to the crash took 45 minutes to reach the crash site, while those inside the helicopter could not be moved for more than six hours as emergency services struggled to reach them.