THE sister of a helicopter pilot killed as he battled to avoid an horrific crash on moorland has praised his bravery.

Julie Burgess said she was "very proud" of 32-year-old Wayne, who was killed in February.

The pilot fought to avert the crash during the last seconds of his life, according to a report published yesterday.

The report revealed Mr Burgess -- who was inexperienced in flying in poor weather -- continually fought with the controls before the helicopter smashed into moorland near Bolton.

His sister said: "I know he did his best right up to the very end and I am proud of him.

"I have always been proud of him, during his training to become a helicopter pilot and at his death.

"He died doing something he loved. I wouldn't say there was any problems with his flying. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Mr Burgess's last dramatic radio message was revealed in the Air Accident Investigation officers' report following a thorough probe into the fatal crash on Anglezarke Moor earlier this year.

As the Robinson R44 helicopter flew into thick cloud, Mr Burgess, formerly of Heap Bridge, Bury, radioed a Warton radar team.

He gave the aircraft's call sign, saying: "Helicopter Golf Mike Echo, we're in trouble".

No more was heard from the helicopter.

Mr Burgess, a flying instructor from Shilton, near Coventry, another pilot, Neil Waterfall, aged 38, and passenger James Roe, aged 40, both from Derbyshire, were killed in the accident.

Miss Burgess, of Heap Brow, described the report as fair and said: "Wayne was a very confident pilot and had flown from Blackpool to Coventry many times."

A full inquest will now be held to establish the cause of death of all victims of the crash.