Red Arrows pilot killed in incident at RAF Scampton

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The RAF has confirmed that the pilot was ejected from a Hawk T1 jet while it was on the ground.

The Military Aviation Authority is carrying out an independent inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.

Gp Capt Simon Blake said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

The pilot's family have been told and have asked for a period of grace until his name is released.

Gp Capt Blake said: "It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident until that inquiry is complete. The investigation will determine the facts."

Lincolnshire Police earlier confirmed they were attending an incident at Scampton, but did not comment further.

East Midlands Ambulance crews were called to the scene at about 11:09 GMT, along with the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
'Massive bang'

Eyewitnesses close to RAF Scampton reported seeing one of the Hawk aircraft with a smashed canopy, according to BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale.

Aircraft designed for low-level flying - such as the Hawk - have ejection seats which fire through the canopy, he said.

Chris Boatman, who lives nearby, said he heard a "massive bang".

"A few hours ago my children and I heard a massive bang that echoed across from the runway area to our house," he said.

"Not long after that an air ambulance flew a few metres over the house."

The incident comes a few months after Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging died after his plane crashed after a display near Bournemouth Airport.

A post-mortem examination showed the cause of death was multiple injuries.

Flt Lt Egging, who grew up in Southam, Warwickshire, joined the RAF in 2000 and served with IV (AC) Squadron, based at RAF Cottesmore, flying the Harrier GR9 in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The Red Arrows team was formed in 1965 and have completed more than 4,300 displays in 53 countries.

The team completed their final display of the season in September and are currently carrying out their winter training at RAF Scampton.

Taken From : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15640104

[Dematic24224041]

Absolute tragic news.

[dundrum]

Their not having a good year....sad news.

Glenn.