R.I.P Red Arrows pilot

[stiz]

no name yet, and no clear reason given yet

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/mod--red-arrows-incident.html

[Roger]

Thanks for posting Steve. I heard about this on the way home, on the radio and it appears that the ejection seat operated whilst still on the ground. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

[stuartcox]

Quote:
A Red Arrows pilot has been killed after being ejected from his aircraft while on the ground.
The RAF said a full independent inquiry was being launched into the incident at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
The tragic accident came less than three months after another pilot with the world-famous aerobatics team, Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, 33, was killed in an air show crash in Dorset.
Medical teams rushed to RAF Scampton, the base of the Red Arrows, after the incident at about 11am.
The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance airlifted the pilot to Lincoln County Hospital but his injuries were so severe that he could not be saved.
The Red Arrows completed their final display of the season in September and are carrying out their winter training at RAF Scampton.
Speaking at RAF Scampton, 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."

I don't like speculating, but this springs to mind...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-n...wales-10782263

[Motormouse]

Sad day for 'Reds'

This maybe preaching to the converted; but those of us (myself included) whom have worked in and around aeroplanes with 'live'
seats can tell you we have a healthy respect for them.

Basically they are live 'fireworks' just waiting for an excuse to go off.


Pete

[stiz]

MOD announced the name of the pilot today - Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, Aged 35