The 15th Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival 2011; The Red Arrows; Picture: James Bass
Red Arrow pilot dies
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
6:11 PM
A pilot with the world famous Red Arrows died today after being ejected from his aircraft while on the ground.
A full investigation has been launched following the incident at the acrobatic team’s base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
The tragic accident comes less than three months after pilot John Egging, 33, was killed after a display over Bournemouth in Dorset.
Flt Lt Egging died just three days after he appeared with the crack team in the skies above Cromer during the town’s annual carnival celebrations in August.
Medical teams rushed to RAF Scampton after the incident at around 11am. An air ambulance flew the pilot to Lincoln County Hospital but his injuries were so severe he could not be saved.
Speaking at the base Group Captain Simon Blake said: “The pilot was ejected from the aircraft whilst the aircraft was on the ground. The director-general of the Military Aviation Authority is in the process of initiating a full and independent service inquiry to determine the cause of this tragic incident.”
“It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident until that inquiry is complete. The investigation will determine the facts.
“The pilot’s next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
The pilot will be named tomorrow.
The Red Arrows are a popular attraction in Norfolk and Suffolk and as well as their usual spot in Cromer, they also regularly appear at Lowestoft Airshow. The team used Norwich International Airport as their base during the two day Lowestoft show on August 11 and 12 this year.
The team completed their final display of the season in September and are carrying out winter training at their Lincolnshire base.
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16 comments
All I'm going say is what do you think that Jon and Sean would say to all this talk of disbanding the team that they gave there lives to. R.I.P Red 5 and 4
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Taffdragon
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Well said Finbarr Fanshawe.
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Ameedog
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Ground them? Poppycock!! These fantastic airmen and their flying machines are a British institution. They bring joy to many and are an iconic sight, we British have already lost the majestic sight of Concorde in the skies, let's pay our respects to a fine airman and wish the crew a bright and safe future, continuing to entertain crowds wherever they fly.
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Finbarr Fanshawe
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Red Arrows are a British Instution. The accidents are just that, unfortunate accidents. My condolances to the families.
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Ameedog
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
cant believe the "old hat" and other poor comments below... thousands watch the red arrows and they are a proud symbol of our airforce and long may they continue!!!!
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Norry
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Yes I agree it's time to ground them at least for the foreseeable future as apart from the deaths and catalogue of accidents they are just far too expensive at £8.8 million per a year to fund in these days of austerity.
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chucky noris
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Best wishes to the family of the pilot and the Red Arrows. You do a fantastic job you are the ambassadors for the UK. Man they have been around for over 4 decades with only 1 or 2 minor incidents it's just a shame your having a bad year.
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funky-monkey
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I'm astounded at some comments below 'final nail in the coffin', (thats sick), 'old hat', 'too many mistakes'. Are you suggesting human error? Isn't it more likely mechanical. Ok ground them until the reasons are investigated and solved, but please get them into the air again. These comments are obviously from people who have forgotten the last time they actually saw the Arrows. I see them every year at Cromer and the display is always breathtaking and exhilarating, these pilots are the envy of the world, acknowleged as the best aerobatic team in the world by their peers. They should rightfully play a major role in the Olympic celebrations next year and I speak for thousands who will be thoroughly disappointed if a Cromer Carnival has to take place without the Red Arrows. My thoughts are with the family and friends of this brave pilot.
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Bruce87
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
greatest repect due to the people whom bring a smile to so many faces,ground them ,or shut them down dont be rediculous,they are part of the armed forces,if done why stop there,bring our troops home,ground them too,then we can save 100's more potential deaths ,not just freak accidental ones.
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Julie Goldsmith
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
It would be silly to ground the red arrows all of these men know the job they are signing up for you have to remeber these are the most experienced pilots we have all having to have over 1,500 flying hours and just because these accidents happen shouldnt mean we should end what they worked so hard to achieve whilst they where still alive, above all it would be highly disrespectful to close the red arrows to these men who have died because they would not want that.
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Jordan Bradshaw
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
What a tragic accident, we can only imagine how hard it must be for the family of the pilot involved. Very tragic and a reminder of just how daring and skilled these pilots are and how dangerous their work is
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paddler
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
You can't call the red arrows old had when millions of people flock to see them every summer. Losing pilots has unfortunately always happened and is not a new thing for the red arrows. The pilots know this when they accept the job and how dangerous it is - no doubt the wage reflects that. Yet it's still a great honour for any RAF pilot and their will be no shortage of good pilots interested in filling the role.
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leanniem
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I have seen this type of accident when an Air Frame Mechanic at R.A.F. Marham in the 1950s.We had a Martin Baker Ejection Seat eject on the ground being tested,and the poor chap went through the hanger roof
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Albert Cooper
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Yes John, I think its time the red arrows stopped now. Too many mistakes happening.
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Ross Patzelt
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Yes very sad news and the second death in a few months. Perhaps the time has come to ground them after all most people have seen them countless times and they really are what could be called 'Old Hat'.
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John L Norton
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
thoughts and wish's to the family .but alas i think it might be the final nail in the arrows coffin to ground them permanantly.
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adinorwich
Tuesday, November 8, 2011